Perceived barriers to social support from family and friends among older adults with HIV/AIDS.
Research has found that HIV-infected adults age 50 and older are more socially isolated than younger HIV-infected individuals. This study examines the perceived barriers to obtaining emotional and practical social support from friends and family among 63 older adults (age 50+) living with HIV/AIDS. Many reported they did not receive enough emotional support (42%) or practical assistance (27%). Barriers to obtaining support included: (1) nondisclosure of HIV status; (2) others' fear of HIV/AIDS; (3) desire to be self-reliant and independent; (4) not wanting to be a burden; (5) unavailability of family; (6) death of friends to AIDS; and (7) ageism. These barriers may explain the greater social isolation of HIV-infected older adults and inform interventions targeted at reducing these barriers.
Schrimshaw
Eric W
EW
Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. es458@columbia.edu
Siegel
Karolynn
K
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D033062:Friends / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology; D012938:Social Perception; D012944:Social Support