Social support and maintenance of safer sex practices among people living with HIV/AIDS

The study discussed in this article addressed the relationship of social support to the maintenance of long-term safer sex practices of 360 HIV-positive adults recruited from outpatient medical facilities. Medical professionals, friends, and siblings were reported the most frequent sources for assistance, whereas regular sexual partners, medical professionals, and community organizations were rated as the most helpful. Differences in social support use across ethnic, gender, and sexual orientation groups were observed. Those engaging in safer sex practices perceived the support they received as more helpful. These findings emphasize the link between positive support networks and avoidance of high-risk sexual behavior in HIV-positive individuals. Implications for the delivery of culturally appropriate, gender-specific, and community-based interventions are discussed.