Participant and staff experiences in a peer-delivered HIV intervention with injection drug users

J Empir Res Hum Res Ethics. 2014 Feb;9(1):6-18. doi: 10.1525/jer.2014.9.1.6.

Abstract

We explore ethical issues faced by investigators as they conduct research as part of a peer-delivered HIV/AIDS risk reduction program for injection drug users (IDUs). Staff and participant experiences in peer-delivered interventions among IDUs have come under scrutiny by ethics researchers because of their potential to inadvertently and negatively impact participant rehabilitation due to continued engagement with drug-using networks during the course of outreach. This study explores whether enhanced communication of participant concerns and experiences with clinic and research staff helps to reduce inadvertent malfeasance in peer-delivered drug treatment interventions. Results contribute to the development of patient support infrastructure in peer-delivered risk reduction programs involving IDUs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Drug Users*
  • Ethics, Research*
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Peer Group*
  • Professional-Patient Relations*
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications
  • Substance-Related Disorders / therapy*