International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 5 authors, 3 centres
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This study evaluated a work readiness training program for people living with HIV using a pre-post design without a control group. It found significant improvements in depression, stigma, self-esteem, medication adherence, and self-advocacy, but the lack of a control group limits causal inference.
People living with HIV (PLHIV) face social determinants of health such as unemployment and psychosocial challenges. This study assessed the impact of a work readiness HIV peer worker training program on psychosocial and health-related behavioral outcomes. Methods: A retrospective secondary data analysis was conducted on 137 PLHIV who completed an eight-week training program and 55 who also completed a six-month peer internship from 2014 to 2018 in New York City. Outcomes included depression, internalized HIV stigma, self-esteem, medication adherence, patient self-advocacy, and safer sex communication apprehension. Paired t-tests compared scores at baseline, training completion, and internship completion. Key Results: The training significantly decreased depression (PHQ-9) and internalized HIV stigma, and significantly increased self-esteem, medication adherence, and patient self-advocacy. For internship participants, safer sex communication apprehension also decreased. Limitations: The study lacked a control group, had selection bias, relied on self-report data, and had a small sample size limited to New York City, affecting generalizability. Implications: Peer worker training programs may improve psychosocial and health outcomes for PLHIV, but further research with longitudinal designs and comparison groups is needed to confirm causality and broader applicability.
