Document 2001
 DOCN  M94A2001
 TI    Voluntary support groups improve the quality of life of HIV-1 infected
       patients.
 DT    9412
 AU    Szalardi M; Reboredo G; Miguez-Burbano MJ; Shor-Posner G; Baum MK; Fund
       Ginkgo Biloba, Argentina.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):402 (abstract no. PD0216). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370574
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of group support on quality of life
       measures in HIV-1 infected men and women in Buenos Aires. METHODS:
       Behavioral data were gathered from HIV-1 infected males (39) and females
       (11), aged 18-61, using a trained interviewer and standardized
       questionnaires. Most of the participants (64%) were homosexuals, 6% were
       bisexuals, 10% heterosexuals, and 20% were intravenous drug users. Six
       support groups met weekly for 3 months; discussions focused on knowledge
       and prevention of drug abuse and/or sexual risk behaviors, family and
       social interactions, nutrition topics, and attitude to medical
       treatments. RESULTS: Prior to the group meetings, relatively few
       subjects (18%) expressed adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS risk prevention
       or nutritional aspects of disease (4%). A number of subjects (47%) were
       unwilling to accept medical treatment, and positive family relationships
       were reported in only 10% of the patients. Following group meetings,
       increased HIV/AIDS knowledge and prevention were reported in 88% of the
       participants; 68% of the patients increased their understanding of
       nutrition as a cofactor of HIV disease progression, and learned proper
       cooking methods to prevent bacterial food contamination. Better social
       integration and family reinsertion were reported in 84% of the patients.
       Regarding acceptance of medical treatment, 36 patients agreed to start
       conventional treatment during the group meetings. CONCLUSIONS: Voluntary
       support groups appear to be an extremely cost-effective method to
       facilitate information exchange, enhance knowledge, and promote the
       acceptance of HIV-1 disease, as well as foster and expand better social
       relationships.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY/REHABILITATION/
       TRANSMISSION  Bisexuality  Female  Homosexuality  Human  HIV-1
       Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Male  *Quality of Life  Risk-Taking
       *Self-Help Groups  *Sex Behavior  *Social Support  *Voluntary Workers
       MEETING ABSTRACT

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