title: Needs assessment and social environment of people living with HIV/AIDS in Hong Kong.
abstract: The present study examined the needs and perceived social environment among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Hong Kong (N=289). Sizeable demands were expressed for medical treatment, provision of HIV-related information, financial assistance and psychological counselling. Physical health (about 38%) and social discrimination (about 24%) were the two commonly named 'most difficult aspects' of their life. In addition, over 50% felt that they were discriminated in different settings such as in the workplace and in social relationships. Social support was also often lacking among many PLWHA in Hong Kong. Nearly 80% were worried/very worried about others knowing their HIV-positive status and 16% of them did not disclose the matter to any person.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. jlau@cuhk.edu.hk
authors.forename: J T F
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Lau
authors.forename: H Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Tsui
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: R W Y
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.forename: M W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Molassiotis
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling; D030881:Disclosure; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011287:Prejudice; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012931:Social Environment; D012944:Social Support