The influence of HIV-related support groups on survival in women who lived with HIV. A pilot study.
To determine the effect of support groups on survival, the authors retrospectively studied 21 HIV-seropositive women who died during the course of participation in a natural history study of HIV. Groups were composed of women who self-selected HIV support groups before death (n = 11) and a comparison group (n = 10). Survival analysis found group participation to be associated with increased longevity (73 months vs. 45 months; P = 0.011). Proportional-hazards regression demonstrated that HIV-related support groups and smaller family size significantly influenced survival (P = 0.0002). Factors related to group participation and ways in which support groups might promote longevity are discussed.
Summers
J
J
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) School of Social Welfare, USA. j.summers@auckland.ac.nz
Robinson
R
R
Capps
L
L
Zisook
S
S
Atkinson
J H
JH
McCutchan
E
E
McCutchan
J A
JA
Deutsch
R
R
Patterson
T
T
Grant
I
I
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011379:Prognosis; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D015996:Survival Rate