Testing a peer-based symptom management intervention for women living with HIV/AIDS.
OBJECTIVE
To test the impact of participation in a peer-based intervention for symptom management for women living with HIV infection on selected outcome measures including, symptom intensity, medication adherence, viral control, and quality of life.


METHODS
Randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Participants were recruited using a convenient, consecutive sampling method. Those participants randomized to the experimental condition attended seven, peer-led sessions over seven weeks. Participants randomized to the control condition received a copy of HIV Symptom Management Strategies: A Manual for People Living with HIV/AIDS. Participants completed four surveys assessing change over time in the aforementioned outcome variables.


RESULTS
Eighty-nine HIV-infected women followed over 14 weeks and there were no differences between the two groups on baseline demographic variables. Mixed-effects regression indicated no significant difference between groups across time in total symptom intensity score and medication adherence. There was a significant difference between groups across time for two of the nine quality of life scales - HIV Mastery (chi(2)=25.08; p<0.005) and Disclosure Worries (chi(2)=24.67; p<0.005).


CONCLUSIONS
In urban-dwelling women living with HIV/AIDS, results suggest that a peer-based symptom management intervention may not decrease symptom intensity or increase medication adherence. There is positive evidence that suggests that the intervention may increase some important aspects of quality of life. However, further research is warranted to elucidate the effect of peer-based interventions in achieving positive self-management outcomes.
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA. allison.webel@case.edu
Allison R
AR
Webel
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010379:Peer Group; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D016903:Drug Monitoring