Barriers to social support and support received from their families of origin among gay men with HIV/AIDS.
The study discussed in this article examined the barriers to obtaining social support and the support received from the family of origin among gay men with HIV/AIDS. The survey was distributed through 21 social service agencies in the Midwest and advertised in two Midwestern newspapers and two national magazines; the result was a sample of 117 gay men with HIV/AIDS. The family provided emotional support and fun relaxation at significantly higher levels than informational and instrumental support. Mothers and siblings provided a significantly higher level of support than fathers. The highest level of barrier to obtaining support was experienced in relation to the family's lack of knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, and fears of compromising independence. Implications for practice are discussed.
Kadushin
G
G
School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee 53201, USA. kadushin@csd.uwm.edu
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires