Improving Mental Wellness and Preventing Risky Sexual Behaviors of Individuals with HIV/AIDS: A Systematic Review of Social Support Interventions

Becakground.Since social support improves the wellness of people with HIV/AIDS, this study evaluated the effectiveness of social support interventions for this population. The specific aims were to: (1) identify research using social support interventions for individuals with HIV/AIDS. (2) evaluate the effectiveness of social support interventions in changing the outcomes of risky sexual behaviors, mental health, immunological status and medication adherence. (3) identify effective treatment formats: i) group v.s. individual ; ii) peer vs. professional facilitator. Methods. Articles, published after January 1990(a period marked by an increase in intervention research in this area), were systematically reviewed from 7 academic databases. Inclusion criteria: the sample was at least 18 years old and receiving standard medical care; the study design was RCT/ quasi-experimental. Interventions were rated using the Methodological Quality Rating Scale, Outcome Logic Scores, and Cumulative Evidence Scores (Miller,1995).Results. Sixteen interventions, evaluating engagement in risky sexual behaviors (n=5), mental health (n=9),immunological status (n=5) and medication adherence (n=6), were identified from 2,657 studies. Eight studies documented group interventions, and 8 were professional led. Ratings showed that social support interventions were effective in preventing engagement in risky sexual behaviors (4 out of 5 studies were effective) and improving mental health (5 out of 9 were effective); while ineffective for the other two outcomes. Group and professional-led treatment formats were more effective in preventing risky sexual behaviors and improving mental health than other formats.Conclusions. Social support interventions, in group and professional-led treatment formats, are effective in improving mental wellness and preventing risky sexual behaviors.