Challenges and value of peer outreach workers in needle and syringe exchange programs: Evidence from an HIV prevention program in Yunnan province, China

We aim to compare the values and challenges of peer outreach workers (POWs) with a history of drug use with non-POWs (NPOWs) in a needle and syringe exchange program (NSEP) in Yunnan, China. Data were abstracted from two independent surveys of 98 outreach workers and 33 program managers in 2014. POW...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse 2020-08, Vol.19 (3), p.403-416
Main Authors: Haw, Nel Jason, Yang, Jia, Li, Hong, Duo, Lin, Wang, Zetianyu, Bouey, Jennifer Z. H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Challenges
China
Disease prevention
Drug abuse
Exchange programs
Exchanging
Frustration
HIV
HIV prevention
Human immunodeficiency virus
injection drug use community health
Needle and syringe exchange program
Needle exchange programs
Needles
Outreach programs
peer outreach workers
Peers
Prevention
Prevention programs
Preventive medicine
Social programs
Syringes
Wages & salaries
Workers
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Summary:We aim to compare the values and challenges of peer outreach workers (POWs) with a history of drug use with non-POWs (NPOWs) in a needle and syringe exchange program (NSEP) in Yunnan, China. Data were abstracted from two independent surveys of 98 outreach workers and 33 program managers in 2014. POWs were more likely than NPOWs to conduct active outreach and to report ease in exchanging needles. Commonly cited concerns from POWs were low wages and frustration with client follow-up. Managers expressed the most concern on high turnover rates and low education levels. POWs seem to be more effective than NPOWs in conducting outreach, though POWs face unique challenges. We call for a recognition of the challenges and needs for more sensitive support for POWs.
ISSN:1533-2640
1533-2659
DOI:10.1080/15332640.2018.1532854