Publication Abstract Display
Type: Published Manuscript
Title: The influence of HIV-related support groups on survival in women who lived with HIV.
Authors: Summers J, Robinson R, Capps L, Zisook S, Atkinson JH, McCutchan E, McCutchan JA, Deutsch R, Patterson T, Grant I
Year: 2000
Publication: Psychosomatics
Volume: 41 Issue: 3 Pages: 262-268
Abstract:To determine the effect of support groups on survival, the authors retrospectively studied 21 HIV-seropositive women who died during the course of participation in a natural history study of HIV. Groups were composed of women who self-selected HIV support groups before death (n = 11) and a comparison group (n = 10). Survival analysis found group participation to be associated with increased longevity (73 months vs. 45 months; P = 0.011). Proportional-hazards regression demonstrated that HIV-related support groups and smaller family size significantly influenced survival (P = 0.0002). Factors related to group participation and ways in which support groups might promote longevity are discussed.

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