Social support perceived by pregnant and puerperal women with HIV: A cross-sectional study

Jacqueline Silveira De Quadros,Wendel Mombaque Dos Santos,Cristiane Cardoso De Paula,Stela Maris De Mello Padoin,Tassiane Ferreira Langendorf

doi:10.15446/avenferm.v39n1.86613

Abstract

Objective: To assess whether the social support perceived by pregnant women with HIV is different from that observed by puerperal women also with HIV. Method: The study had a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional design. It was developed from April to November 2014 in southern Brazil with 78 participants. The Social Support Scale for people living with HIV/AIDS was applied. In addition, descriptive analysis, T-test, Fisher’s exact test, and linear logistic regression were performed. Results: There was a significant difference in total and instrumental social support scores, which show that the group of pregnant women report higher social support rates. Puerperal women are 8.8 times more likely to have low total social support (OR: 8.80; IC: 1.01-16.76) and 6.0 times more likely to have low instrumental social support (OR: 6.00; IC: 1.53-10.48). The level of satisfaction with the support from friends in the emotional (p =0.009) and instrumental (p =0.004) dimensions was low. It was evidenced that beingpregnant is a protective factor in comparison with being a puerperal woman. Conclusions: Puerperal women living with HIV are dissatisfied with the social support they perceive, which involves the clinical practice of health professionals. Therefore, health professionals must qualify health care in a way that includes the social dimension of this type of patients.

Highlights

Women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) face several personal, family and social challenges, especially during the pregnancy and puerperal period, in which biological, emotional and psychological changes take place
Puerperal women living with HIV are dissatisfied with the social support they perceive, which involves the clinical practice of health professionals
Health professionals must qualify health care in a way that includes the social dimension of this type of patients

Summary

Introduction

Women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) face several personal, family and social challenges, especially during the pregnancy and puerperal period, in which biological, emotional and psychological changes take place. As a way to face the challenges they experience, and in an attempt to maintain their social and family relationships, women hide their diagnosis from people (1) This situation could lead to difficulties in maintaining the care for their own health and for the newborn. The strengthening of social support through the use of support networks, as well as the availability of care and information, can result in positive repercussions for health and reduce the psychosocial impact caused by the disease. Such coping mechanism helps in the construction of new paths, especially in the face of a chronic condition (2)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion