An Examination of the Social Networks and Social Isolation in Older and Younger Adults Living with HIV/AIDS

This study examined social networks and social isolation in older (50 years or more) and younger (ages 20 to 39) adults with HIV/AIDS. The author conducted interviews with 88 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Pacific Northwest. Both groups' social networks had similar patterns; however, o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Health & social work 2006-11, Vol.31 (4), p.299-308
Main Author: Emlet, Charles A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Adult
Adult Learning
Adults
Aged
Ageing
aging
Aging (Individuals)
AIDS
Analysis
Coping
Elderly
Female
Health
Health aspects
HIV
HIV patients
HIV Seropositivity
HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Male
Males
Measures (Individuals)
Medical sociology
Middle Aged
Middle Aged Adults
Northwestern United States
Older Adults
Older people
Pacific Northwest
Predictor Variables
Risk
Scores
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Social aspects
Social Isolation
Social Networks
Social Services
Social Support
Social Support Groups
Social Work
Social workers
Stigma
Washington (State)
Young Adults
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Summary:This study examined social networks and social isolation in older (50 years or more) and younger (ages 20 to 39) adults with HIV/AIDS. The author conducted interviews with 88 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the Pacific Northwest. Both groups' social networks had similar patterns; however, older adults were more likely to live alone. More than 38 percent of older adults and 54 percent of older adults of color were at risk of social isolation compared with 25 percent of those 20 to 39 years of age. Older men and older adults of color had significantly lower scores on the social network scale than others. Having a confidant and receiving instrumental support were significantly correlated with reduced HIV stigma. Implications for social work practitioners are discussed.
ISSN:0360-7283
1545-6854
DOI:10.1093/hsw/31.4.299