title: Social support as a predictor of early diagnosis, linkage, retention, and adherence to HIV care: results from the steps study.
abstract: Social support predicts adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in some settings but has not been well studied in persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection as a predictor of success through the cascade of HIV care. One hundred sixty-eight persons newly diagnosed with HIV completed the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey at diagnosis, and 129 were successfully followed for more than 12 months. Outcomes were earlier diagnosis of HIV infection, linkage to care, retention in care, ART use by 1 year, and adherence to ART. Higher social support scores (either overall or on a subscale) were associated with earlier HIV diagnosis, timely linkage to care, and adherence to ART. Social support did not predict use of ART or retention in HIV care. Success navigating some of the steps of HIV care is more likely with social support, but it is not sufficient to ensure success across the continuum of care.
authors: J Daniel
authors: JD
authors: Kelly
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Hartman
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Graham
authors: Michael A
authors: MA
authors: Kallen
authors: Thomas P
authors: TP
authors: Giordano
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods*; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV; adherence; public health; retention in care; social support