Impact of support groups for people living with HIV on clinical outcomes: a systematic review of the literature.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Support groups for people living with HIV are integrated into HIV care and treatment programs as a modality for increasing patient literacy and as an intervention to address the psychosocial needs of patients. However, the impact of support groups on key health outcomes has not been fully determined.

Methods

We searched electronic databases from January 1995 through May 2014 and reviewed relevant literature on the impact of support groups on mortality, morbidity, retention in HIV care, quality of life (QOL), and ongoing HIV transmission, as well as their cost-effectiveness.

Results

Of 1809 citations identified, 20 met the inclusion criteria. One reported on mortality, 7 on morbidity, 5 on retention in care, 7 on QOL, and 7 on ongoing HIV transmission. Eight

SUBMITTER: Bateganya MH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4709521 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature