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The Influence of a Peer-Based HIV Prevention Intervention on Conversation About HIV Prevention Among People Who Inject Drugs in Baltimore, Maryland

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Abstract

STEP into Action assessed the efficacy of a peer-based HIV prevention intervention in reducing HIV risk behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Baltimore. This analysis examined the effect of the intervention on the change in frequency of conversation about HIV prevention topics over time. 114 participants were randomized into an experimental and 113 into a control group. Data was collected prospectively at 6, 12, and 18 months. The experimental group talked more frequently about HIV prevention topics compared to the control group at 6-month visit. At 18 months relative risk ratios (RRR) remained statistically significant for conversation about the danger of needle sharing (RRR = 3.21) and condom use (RRR = 2.81). The intervention resulted in an increased conversation about HIV prevention among PWIDs, but the sustainability past 6 months remained a challenge; suggesting that interventions should be designed to constantly reinforce communication about HIV prevention among PWIDs.

Resumen

STEP into Action examinó la eficacia de una intervención preventiva basada en pares en reducir los comportamientos de riesgo para el contagio con el Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana (VIH) entre usuarios de drogas inyectables (UDI) en Baltimore. Este análisis evaluó el efecto de la intervención en el cambio en la frecuencia de conversaciones sobre temas de prevención de VIH a lo largo del tiempo. Los pacientes fueron aleatoriamente separados en dos grupos, el experimental y el de controles, con 114 y 113 miembros, respectivamente. Los datos fueron recolectados prospectivamente a los 6, 12 y 18 meses. El grupo experimental habló más frecuentemente sobre temas de prevención de VIH que el grupo control, al compararlos 6 meses después de la intervención. A los 18 meses los riesgos relativos (RR) se mantuvieron estadísticamente significativos para las conversaciones sobre el peligro de compartir agujas (RR = 3,21) y sobre uso de condón (RR = 2,81). La intervención dio como resultado un aumento en las conversaciones sobre prevención de VIH entre UDI, pero la sustentabilidad después de 6 meses continúa siendo un desafío, sugiriendo que las intervenciones deben ser diseñadas para reforzar constantemente la comunicación sobre prevención de VIH entre UDI.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Drug Abuse.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wilmer Eye Institute/Glaucoma Division, Johns Hopkins University, 1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA

    Aleksandra Mihailovic

  2. Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 2213 McElderry Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Karin Tobin

  3. Department of Health Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 737, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Carl Latkin

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  1. Aleksandra Mihailovic
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  2. Karin Tobin
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Correspondence to Aleksandra Mihailovic.

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Mihailovic, A., Tobin, K. & Latkin, C. The Influence of a Peer-Based HIV Prevention Intervention on Conversation About HIV Prevention Among People Who Inject Drugs in Baltimore, Maryland. AIDS Behav 19, 1792–1800 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-015-1048-4

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