Peer support to promote medication adherence among people living with HIV/AIDS: The benefits to peers

Since early in the AIDS epidemic, HIV-positive individuals have benefited from the services of peer support or buddy programs. However, little research has focused on the experience of the peer providing Support. We conducted qualitative interviews with nine HIV-positive peers who had participated in an intervention designed to provide support to other HIV-positive individuals as one means of promoting antiretroviral therapy adherence. Analyses of the peers' common dialogue about their involvement in the study revealed four main themes: social acceptance, reciprocal support, personal growth and empowerment, and resistance and other challenges. Recommendations for future research and for implementing similar interventions in a health care setting are provided.