Sources of functional social support provided to people living with HIV

Abstract

Aim. To identify sources of functional social support (i.e. appraisal, belonging and tangible) provided to people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome through biological, legal or social relationships. We also examined associations between self‐described sexual orientation (heterosexual vs. homosexual), gender, and race and sources of functional social support.Background. People from both traditional and non‐traditional structures are primary sources of social support for many people who experience serious illnesses. There is limited research regarding sources of functional social support provided to people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. No published studies were identified that examined the relationship between self‐described sexual orientation and sources of functional social support.Methods. The convenience sample in this cross‐sectional, exploratory study consisted of 150 people living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, aged 19 to 68 years, who were mostly male (79·3%); African American (68·7%) and single (68·7%). Participants’ self‐described sexual orientation was almost equally heterosexual (48%) and homosexual (43·3%). Participants self‐reported whether appraisal, belonging and tangible support were provided from a list of potential biological, legal and social relationships. The study was conducted in 2005.Results. Relationships that provided appraisal, belonging and tangible functional social support most often involved spouses, friends, siblings and mothers. There was no significant relationship between self‐described sexual orientation (heterosexual vs. homosexual) or gender and sources of functional social support. Blacks were less likely to report tangible support from other relatives (e.g. aunts and uncles); otherwise, there were no significant difference in functional social support by race.Conclusion. People living with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome most often received appraisal, belonging and tangible support from spouses, friends, siblings and mothers.Relevance to clinical practice. Health‐care professionals should empower these people who provide functional social support.