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HIV-infected persons who have peer
educators are more likely to adhere to their medical treatment plans, according
to researcher Maithe Enriquez, associate professor at the University of
Missouri Sinclair School of Nursing. Adhering to medication regimens allows
HIV-infected individuals to live long, healthy lives, but previous studies
indicated that only half get medical care or follow their treatment plans.
“Being ‘peered’ is different from
being doctored, nursed or counseled,” Enriquez said. “The peer educators in the
intervention also have HIV, which gives them insider perspectives. Perhaps, the
belief that only those living with HIV can truly understand what it’s like to
live with the disease contributes to the meaningful connections between the
educators and the patients struggling to adhere to treatment.”
Enriquez evaluated 15 peer
educators’ insights into their roles in patients’ treatment progress. She found
that peer educators felt they provided patients with more than just education
about medical adherence; they also acted as role models, motivators, and
advocates. Peer educators worked with the patients to recognize and overcome
barriers that prevent them from taking medicines and going to medical
appointments. The peers and patients set goals and develop strategies to help
the patients defeat their challenges.
Enriquez believes peer-led
interventions potentially can enhance HIV care and HIV-related health outcomes.
“The encouraging thing about HIV care is that patients can remain healthy if
they are engaged in their care, and their viral loads decrease, which makes
them less likely to spread the virus to others,” Enriquez said. “Adherence to
care and engagement in care go hand in hand. Having HIV is not a death sentence
if patients follow their treatment plans.”
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus.
To learn more about The Friends of
AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
