PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate effectiveness of a peer support program conducted by older community volunteers for older adults living alone. METHODS: Thirty volunteers trained as peer supporters were matched with low-income, older adults living alone in the community on gender. Visits occurred on a weekly basis over the 12 month study period, and the volunteers provided peer support for health management to solitary older adults. Data were collected, before the start of the program and again 6 and 12 months after its initialization, from intervention and control groups regarding physical health, general health, mental health, depression, social functioning, and satisfaction with social support. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze data. RESULTS: By the end of the program, socially isolated older adults in the intervention group had significantly higher scores in physical health and general health than elders in the control group. Significant interaction effects between time and group were found for depression, social functioning, and satisfaction with social support. CONCLUSION: The peer support program undertaken by older community volunteers was effective in improving physical health, general health, depression, social functioning, and satisfaction with social support in socially isolated, low-income, older adults.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Depression ; Female ; *Health Status ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Health ; *Personal Satisfaction ; Program Evaluation ; Social Support ; *Voluntary Programs

OBJECTIVETo explore reported willingness and factors associated with utilization of voluntary counseling and testing services by female sex workers (FSWs) in China and to offer recommendations to optimize use of such services.

METHODSA questionnaire to explore willingness to use VCT was designed based on social ecological theory and formative qualitative research. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among FSWs from entertainment venues. Single and multiple logistic regression analyses were employed to examine factors associated with reported willingness to utilize VCT.

RESULTSA total of 970 FSWs provided valid questionnaires, with 69% (669) expressing willingness to utilize VCT. Factors at the interpersonal level associated with reported willingness included knowledge about VCT, desire to get help if diagnosed as HIV positive, ability to imagine life after an HIV positive diagnosis, and perceived support for VCT from peers, managers, and family members. Availability of free antiretroviral (ARV) treatment represented a factor at policy level. Other factors included intention to leave sex work in the near future, having had a previous HIV test, and lack of a suspected STD history.

CONCLUSIONSThe rate of reported willingness to use VCT among FSWs was substantially higher than that of actual VCT utilization (11%). The next step is to explore the connection between reported willingness and actual use. Based on these findings, peer education, VCT knowledge dissemination, and free ARV treatment should be emphasized to increase FSWs' willingness to use VCT.

Adult ; China ; Counseling ; utilization ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Health Services Accessibility ; Humans ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; psychology ; Sex Work ; statistics & numerical data ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases ; diagnosis ; prevention & control ; Socioeconomic Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Volition ; Voluntary Programs ; Young Adult