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Understanding Family Support for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Yunnan, China

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This study examines how family support affects people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) in China. In-depth, semi-structured interviews (n=30) were conducted with people living with HIV/AIDS who were infected through different routes (e.g., intravenous drug use, sex) and of different age groups. Findings showed that all of the participants were in great need of help and the primary source of support came from their families. Family support included financial assistance, support in the disclosure process, daily routine activities, medical assistance, or psychological support. This study illustrates that the support provided by family makes multiple levels of positive impact on people living with HIV/AIDS, suggesting the importance of including families in HIV/AIDS interventions.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This paper was completed with the support of National Institute of Mental Health grant R01MH070931.

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Correspondence to Li Li.

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Li, L., Wu, S., Wu, Z. et al. Understanding Family Support for People Living with HIV/AIDS in Yunnan, China. AIDS Behav 10, 509–517 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-006-9071-0

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