A social network approach to demonstrate the diffusion and change process of intervention from peer health advocates to the drug using community

Subst Use Misuse. 2012 Apr;47(5):474-90. doi: 10.3109/10826084.2012.644097.

Abstract

Project RAP (Risk Avoidance Partnership) trained 112 active drug users to become peer health advocates (PHAs). Six months after baseline survey (N(bl) = 522), 91.6% of PHAs and 56.6% of community drug users adopted the RAP innovation of giving peer intervention, and 59.5% of all participants (N(6m) = 367) were exposed to RAP innovation. Sociometric network analysis shows that adoption of and exposure to RAP innovation was associated with proximity to a PHA or a highly active interventionist (HAI), being directly linked to multiple PHAs/HAIs, and being located in a network sector where multiple PHAs/HAIs were clustered. RAP innovation has diffused into the Hartford drug-using community.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion of Innovation
  • Drug Users*
  • Health Promotion / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Patient Advocacy*
  • Peer Group*
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Social Support*
  • Substance-Related Disorders / prevention & control