Intensity of Social Support Matters: A Latent Class Analysis to Identify Levels of Social Support Associated with Optimal Health Outcomes Among Women Living with HIV

Aruna Chandran, Fiona Bhondoekhan, Tracey E. Wilson, Joel Milam, Mardge H. Cohen, Adaora A. Adimora, Adebola Adedimeji, Jennifer Cocohoba, Carrigan Parish, Marcia Holstad, Seble Kassaye, Mirjam Colette Kempf

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Social support is associated with improved HIV care and quality of life. We utilized latent class analysis to identify three classes of baseline emotional and tangible perceived social support, termed “Strong”, “Wavering” and “Weak”. “Weak” vs. “Strong” perceived social support was associated over time with an 8% decreased risk of optimal antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence for emotional and 6% decreased risk for tangible perceived social support. Importantly, “Wavering” vs “Strong” social support also showed a decreased risk of ART adherence of 6% for emotional and 3% for tangible support. “Strong” vs. “Weak” perceived support had a similar association with undetectable viral load, but the association for “Strong” vs. “Wavering” support was not statistically significant. Intensity of social support is associated with HIV care outcomes, and strong social support may be needed for some individuals. It is important to quantify the level or intensity of social support that is needed to optimize HIV outcomes.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)243-251
Number of pages9
JournalAIDS and Behavior
Volume26
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Adherence
  • HIV
  • Latent Class Analysis
  • Social Support
  • Viral Load
  • WIHS

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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