Social support significantly
enhances physical and mental health for persons with human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV).
We surveyed 142 rural Ethiopian HIV patients newly enrolled in
care for perceived social support and factors associated with low support
levels. Using the Social Provisions Scale (SPS), the mean summary score was
19.1 (possible scores = 0-48). On six SPS subscales, mean scores (possible
scores = 0-8), were:
- Reliable Alliance (others can be counted on for tangible assistance) = 2.8,
- Attachment (emotional closeness providing sense of security) = 2.9,
- Reassurance of Worth (recognition of competence and value by others) = 3.2,
- Guidance (provision of advice or information by others) = 3.2,
- Social Integration (belonging to a group with similar interests and concerns) = 3.5, and
- Nurturance (belief that others rely on one for their well-being) = 3.6.
Among rural Ethiopian patients newly entering
HIV care, we found moderate and varying levels of perceived social support,
with lowest scores for subscales reflecting emotional closeness and reliance on
others for tangible assistance.
Given that patients who have recently learned
their diagnosis and entered care may be an especially vulnerable group,
programs to help identify and address social support needs can provide multiple
benefits in facilitating the best possible physical, emotional and functional
quality of life for people living with HIV.
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By: Lifson AR1, Workneh S2, Hailemichael A2, Demissie W2, Slater L3, Shenie T2.
- 1 Division of Epidemiology and Community Health , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , MN , USA.
- 2 Ethiopian Office, National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors , Addis Ababa , Ethiopia.
- 3 Global Program, National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors , Washington , DC , USA.
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