title: The influence of HIV-related support groups on survival in women who lived with HIV. A pilot study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of California, Berkeley (UCB) School of Social Welfare, USA. j.summers@auckland.ac.nz
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Summers
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Capps
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zisook
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Atkinson
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: McCutchan
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: McCutchan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Deutsch
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Grant
mesh_terms: 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