'Drug users stick together': HIV testing in peer-based drop-in centres among people who inject drugs in Thailand

Sexual Health
Lianping TiThomas Kerr

Abstract

Introduction Although there is a well recognised need for novel approaches to HIV testing, particularly for marginalised populations at high risk for HIV infection, there remains a dearth of information on the acceptability of peer-based HIV testing among people who inject drugs (PWID). Between July 2011 and June 2012, 22 in-depth interviews were conducted with PWID participating in the Mitsampan Community Research Project in Bangkok, Thailand. Semi-structured interviews explored willingness to access rapid HIV testing delivered by a healthcare professional or a trained peer within peer-based drop-in centres. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was conducted. All participants indicated interest in accessing rapid HIV testing by a healthcare professional at peer-based drop-in centres due to the advantage of receiving immediate results. Experiencing stigma and discrimination by healthcare workers and wanting to avoid administrative barriers in hospitals were also reported as reasons for why PWID preferred HIV testing in peer-based settings. Peer support and shared lived experiences were repeatedly mentioned as benefits of peer-based testing. However, some concerns regarding peer-delivered t...Continue Reading

Citations

Jan 8, 2021·Harm Reduction Journal·UNKNOWN People with Lived Expertise of Drug Use National Working GroupJade Boyd
Jun 20, 2021·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Loren BrenerCarla Treloar
Jan 14, 2020·The International Journal on Drug Policy·Camila Couto E CruzRosa Alati

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