Shared Illness and Social Support Within Two HIV-Affected African American Communities

Dados Bibliográficos

ID4668012
AutoresKatie E Mosack (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, autor correspondente), Patricia E Stevens (University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA), Amanda M Brouwer (0000-0002-6338-1707, Winona State University, Winona, Minnesota, USA), Angela R Wendorf (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA)
Ano2016
Volume26
Fascículo11
Páginas1495-1507
Data de publicação2016-09-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732315612044
PMID26515921
OpenAlexW2339275795
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas8
Referências citadas45

A key source of resiliency within HIV-affected African American communities is informal social support. Data from dyadic conversations and focus groups were used to address the following research question: What are HIV-positive African Americans' social support experiences within their informal social networks in response to HIV-related problems? Circumstances that exacerbated HIV-related problems included others' fear of contagion, reticence to be involved, judgment and rejection, and disregard for privacy. Support from HIV-negative others buffered the impact of problems when others communicate interest, take the initiative to help, or make a long-term investment in their success. Support from other HIV-positive persons was helpful given the shared connection because of HIV, the opportunity to commiserate about what is mutually understood, and the fight for mutual survival. Based on these findings, we offer suggestions for future research and social network interventions aimed at bolstering connections between HIV-positive peers, reducing stigma, and improving family support

Family medicine · Political science · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public relations · Social support · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk · HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions · Homelessness and Social Issues · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology