title: Male Same Sex Couple Dynamics and Received Social Support for HIV Medication Adherence.
abstract: This qualitative study examines received social support by analyzing relationship dynamics concerning antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among HIV+ seroconcordant and serodiscordant male couples. Using narrative data from forty participants (20 couples interviewed separately), we describe patterns of relationship dynamics and support preferences. One group viewed adherence as a Personal Responsibility. A second group viewed adherence as a Couple Responsibility and integrated support for medication adherence into the relationship. A third group was in the process of ending their relationships and adherence support was one-sided or withdrawn altogether. Examining support exchanges contexts at cultural, situational, relational, and personal levels illuminated adherence processes. Qualitative methods provided a framework for investigating these complex relationships and their associations with HIV treatment adherence.
authors.affiliation: University of California, San Francisco.
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wrubel
authors.forename: Scott
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stumbo
authors.forename: Mallory O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Johnson