What goes around: how peers use their social networks to share sexually transmitted and blood borne infections education and information

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Date
2014-04-23
Authors
Illsley, Shohan
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Abstract
Each year in Manitoba rates of many sexually transmitted and blood born infections (STBBI) are rising, including HIV and hepatitis C. Due to routes of transmission, safer sex and safer drug use information are integral to preventing new infections. Peer delivered information within social networks is considered best practice for engaging, educating, and treating those most vulnerable to STBBI. This community based research project explored how the 595 Peer Working Group shares information on within their social network. Seventeen qualitative interviews were conducted with participants and two quantitative surveys were administered to gather demographic information. The results indicated that 16 of the participants actively pass on safer drug use and safer sex information within their social networks. Additionally, all 17 participants indicated that they distribute harm reduction supplies. Implications from this research highlight the need to increase peer-to-peer knowledge sharing opportunities as well as peer-to-peer distribution of harm reduction supplies.
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Keywords
Peer-to-Peer, STBBI, Education
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