1472 - RESILIENCE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT IN MEN LIVING WITH HIV

Session: P_D08S005 - Poster Session 5 - Division 8
AUTHORS:
Sánchez-Medina Ricardo (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ~ Mexico city ~ Mexico) , Rosales-Piña Consuelo Rubi (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ~ Mexico city ~ Mexico) , Enríquez-Negrete David Javier (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ~ Mexico city ~ Mexico) , Muñoz-Maldonado Sandra Ivonne (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México ~ Mexico city ~ Mexico) , Plascencia-De La Torre Juan Carlos (Universidad de Guadalajara ~ Guadalajara ~ Mexico)
Abstract text:
Introduction. Empirical evidence highlights the role of social support as a protective factor against HIV, as it strengthens preventive behaviors, coping strategies, and safer sexual practices. Understanding how different support networks contribute to resilience is essential to design effective interventions for men living with HIV.


Purpose. This study aimed to examine the predictive role of social support from family, friends, partners, and society on three resilience factors: strategies for HIV prevention, coping strategies in the face of HIV, and safe sexual behavior strategies in risk contexts.


Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 729 men living with HIV, with a mean age of 33.5 years (SD = 9.0). Participants completed validated measures of perceived social support and resilience. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and stepwise regression analyses were performed.


Results. Correlation analyses showed significant associations between social support and the three resilience factors. Family support was more strongly related to prevention strategies (r = .230, p < .01), while support from friends was the main correlate of coping strategies (r = .348, p < .01). Safer sexual behavior strategies were associated, though modestly, with partner and societal support. Regression models confirmed these findings: (1) prevention strategies were predicted by family, partner, and societal support (adjusted R² = .079); (2) coping strategies were predicted by friends, partner, and family support (adjusted R² = .159); and (3) safe sexual behavior strategies were predicted by partner and societal support (adjusted R² = .019).


Conclusions. Findings suggest that different support networks have distinct functions: family support enhances prevention, friends contribute to coping, and partners and society promote safer sexual practices, albeit with limited explanatory power. These results highlight the importance of developing psychosocial interventions tailored to strengthen the specific type of social support most relevant to each resilience dimension in men living with HIV.