Perceptions of Support Among Older Adults With HIV

Social support becomes an increasingly significant resource for people as they age, particularly those living with chronic illnesses. Previous research has shown that older adults with HIV do not receive adequate emotional and instrumental assistance from their informal support networks. This study...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Research on aging 2005-05, Vol.27 (3), p.290-306
Main Authors: Shippy, R. Andrew, Karpiak, Stephen E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Aging
AIDS
Biological and medical sciences
Chronic Illness
Elderly
Health Care Services
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous
Prevention and actions
Public health. Hygiene
Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine
Social Support
Support groups
Support Networks
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Summary:Social support becomes an increasingly significant resource for people as they age, particularly those living with chronic illnesses. Previous research has shown that older adults with HIV do not receive adequate emotional and instrumental assistance from their informal support networks. This study examined what factors contribute to older HIV-positive adults'perceptions of inadequate emotional and instrumental support. Regression analyses showed that physical strain and the number of comorbid illnesses were significant predictors of instrumental and emotional support adequacy. Specifically, participants who reported greater numbers of comorbid illnesses and higher levels of physical strain were more likely to report that they received adequate support. Curiously, those with fewer health complaints reported greater need for emotional and instrumental support. The aging HIV-positive population, largely disconnected from traditional informal support networks, relies on formal care providers. This dependence on an increasingly overburdened health care system may be a result of isolation and stigma.
ISSN:0164-0275
1552-7573
DOI:10.1177/0164027504273780