Document 2502
 DOCN  M94A2502
 TI    Functions of support groups for HIV positive people and people with
       AIDS.
 DT    9412
 AU    Uebersfeld F; Ferrari I; AIDES Paris Ile de France.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):29 (abstract no. 091D). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370073
 AB    OBJECTIVE: Define what support is in a N.G.O fighting AIDS on the basis
       of the experience gathered by discussion groups open to different target
       populations for 4 years. METHOD: Target population--5 groups (400 people
       per year): 1-relatives and friends; 2-people under treatment with at
       least one hospitalization; 2-people who have just learned that they are
       HIV positive--including people with antiretroviral treatment; 4-HIV
       positive women: 5-living with HIV in the day-to-day life. Participation
       in a group is preceded by an interview with the moderator. Duration: the
       number of meetings varies according to the targeted population: one
       meeting every 15 days for groups 1, 2 & 5, one meeting once a week
       during 6 weeks for group 3 and one meeting once a month for group 4.
       Functioning: based on confidentiality, non judgement, listening and
       dedramatization, involvement in the group, sharing emotions and
       feelings. Moderator: A volunteer from AIDES Association, who has been
       specially trained and who engages in a regulating and reflective work on
       his action. RESULTS: Support groups allow people to: rebuild
       psychological aspects of life-rebuild social relations hips
       (professional life, commitment in volunteer work such as fighting AIDS,
       etc.)-rebuild affective life (family life, sexuality, leisure) keep the
       dialogue going with doctors and caregivers concerning treatments and
       medical answers. QUESTIONS AND CONCLUSION: Should the moderators share
       the same biological situation as the members of their Groups? Does
       support begin at the first meeting or is support the result of the whole
       duration of the group? is support psychotherapeutic work? In conclusion,
       support groups help people develop their own life strategies to face the
       HIV infection.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*PSYCHOLOGY  Adaptation,
       Psychological  Female  Group Processes  Human  HIV
       Seropositivity/*PSYCHOLOGY  Male  Paris  Peer Group  Self-Help Groups
       *Social Support  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).