“THEY TREAT US EQUALLY, THEY GUIDE US”: PEER NAVIGATION FOR HIV CARE ENGAGEMENT IN MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN AND TRANSGENDER WOMEN IN LIMA, PERU

Maiorana A.; Lugo E.; Hamasaki W.; Calvo G.; Konda K.; Silva-Santisteban A.; Cáceres C.; Kegeles S. · Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Publica (2024) · DOI: 10.17843/rpmesp.2024.412.13198

Resumen

Objective. To analyze the elements of a navigation program in Lima that facilitated the engagement of men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) with HIV care. Materials and methods. We conducted interviews with 20 users receiving navigation services and 4 peer navigators living with HIV. Results. The work of the navigators contributed to filling a gap in HIV services, providing personalized accompaniment to navigate the health care system and facilitating the process of engaging with care. Conclusions. Patient navigation based on the development of users’ strengths can be a useful and feasible strategy to improve engagement to medical care for MSM and TW in Peru, incorporating peer navigators to health teams, horizontality in treatment and public health strategies with greater community participation.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia