The effect of social support on mental and behavioral outcomes among adolescents with parents with HIV/AIDS
- Författare
- Lee SJ, Detels R, Rotheram-Borus MJ, Duan N.
- Titel
- The effect of social support on mental and behavioral outcomes among adolescents with parents with HIV/AIDS
- Utgivningsår
- 2007
- Tidskrift
- Am J Public Health
- Volym
- 97
- Häfte
- 10
- Sidor
- 1820-6
- Sammanfattning
OBJECTIVES: We examined the associations between social support and mental and behavioral outcomes among adolescents whose parents were infected with or died of HIV/AIDS. METHODS: Families (parents who were HIV infected and their adolescent children) were randomly assigned to a coping skills intervention or a standard care group. After completing the intervention, the parents and adolescents were assessed for 2 years. RESULTS: Adolescents who had more social support providers reported significantly lower levels of depression and fewer conduct problems; adolescents who had more negative influence from role models reported more behavior problems. Reductions in depression, multiple problem behaviors, and conduct problems were significantly associated with better social support. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the complex relations between social support and mental and behavioral outcomes among adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS. Future prevention programs must focus on increasing social support to reduce negative outcomes among adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS as well as the need to reduce influence from negative role models.