BACKGROUND: A supportive social environment is critical for those with HIV/AIDS. In KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa, antiretroviral therapy is available to some HIV-positive individuals. Antiretroviral adherence is an important issue for limiting HIV infection. Adherence to therapy may be linked to social support, particularly amidst the stigma prevalent in HIV. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics related to social support and antiretroviral medication adherence. DESIGN: This cross-sectional, descriptive study explored the nature of the relationships among social support and other selected variables, including sociodemographic variables, quality of life, and adherence. SETTINGS: After ethical review board approval, the sample of HIV-infected individuals who received care in outpatient clinics were recruited and completed the self-report instruments. PARTICIPANTS: The sample included English and/or isiZulu-speaking (n=149) individuals over the age of 18 years receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. A total of 149 patients with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS agreed to participate and completed questionnaires after completing informed consent procedures. The study participants were recruited at four outpatient settings in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional design was utilized to explore the research questions: What are the characteristics of social support and the relationship to antiretroviral adherence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa? Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to answer the research questions. RESULTS: Data analyses indicated that social support scores on the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were moderate (M=64.4; S.D.=14.7) among the study participants. The number of close friends and family were significantly correlated with a greater sense of social support. Despite this, the lowest scores on the quality-of-life measure using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 item survey were reported on the Social Functioning Scale. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the study findings suggest that a supportive social network is essential for those living with HIV/AIDS. However, social functioning and quality of life amidst the stigma of living with HIV in South Africa may be a concern and require further investigation.
BACKGROUND: A supportive social environment is critical for those with HIV/AIDS. In KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa, antiretroviral therapy is available to some HIV-positive individuals. Antiretroviral adherence is an important issue for limiting HIV infection. Adherence to therapy may be linked to social support, particularly amidst the stigma prevalent in HIV. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics related to social support and antiretroviral medication adherence. DESIGN: This cross-sectional, descriptive study explored the nature of the relationships among social support and other selected variables, including sociodemographic variables, quality of life, and adherence. SETTINGS: After ethical review board approval, the sample of HIV-infected individuals who received care in outpatient clinics were recruited and completed the self-report instruments. PARTICIPANTS: The sample included English and/or isiZulu-speaking (n=149) individuals over the age of 18 years receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. A total of 149 patients with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS agreed to participate and completed questionnaires after completing informed consent procedures. The study participants were recruited at four outpatient settings in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. METHODS: A descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional design was utilized to explore the research questions: What are the characteristics of social support and the relationship to antiretroviral adherence in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa? Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were used to answer the research questions. RESULTS: Data analyses indicated that social support scores on the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were moderate (M=64.4; S.D.=14.7) among the study participants. The number of close friends and family were significantly correlated with a greater sense of social support. Despite this, the lowest scores on the quality-of-life measure using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 item survey were reported on the Social Functioning Scale. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the study findings suggest that a supportive social network is essential for those living with HIV/AIDS. However, social functioning and quality of life amidst the stigma of living with HIV in South Africa may be a concern and require further investigation.
Authors: Lynn Ramirez-Avila; Susan Regan; Janet Giddy; Senica Chetty; Douglas Ross; Jeffrey N Katz; Kenneth A Freedberg; Rochelle P Walensky; Elena Losina; Ingrid V Bassett Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2012-11
Authors: Paul K Drain; Elena Losina; Sharon M Coleman; Laura Bogart; Janet Giddy; Douglas Ross; Jeffrey N Katz; Ingrid V Bassett Journal: AIDS Care Date: 2015-07-25
Authors: Deborah L Jones; Isaac Zulu; Szonja Vamos; Ryan Cook; Ndashi Chitalu; Stephen M Weiss Journal: J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care Date: 2012-09-23 Impact factor: 1.354
Authors: Leslie D Williams; A Korobchuk; E Pavlitina; G K Nikolopoulos; B Skaathun; J Schneider; E-G Kostaki; P Smyrnov; T I Vasylyeva; M Psichogiou; D Paraskevis; E Morgan; A Hadjikou; M J Downing; A Hatzakis; S R Friedman Journal: AIDS Behav Date: 2019-05