Participant and Staff Experiences in a Peer-Delivered HIV Intervention with Injection Drug Users. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kostick, Kristin M.; Weeks, Margaret; Mosher, Heather
• Is Part Of: Journal of empirical research on human research ethics. Volume 9:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 6
• Page End: 18
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: HIV prevention -- peer-delivered prevention -- prevention in clinics -- ethics -- program support -- participant experience; Medical ethics -- Research -- Periodicals; Research -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 174.205
• DOI: 10.1525/jer.2014.9.1.6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1556-2646

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.