Perceived social support and its impact on alcohol treatment outcomes: a qualitative study among women with HIV enrolled in a clinical alcohol pharmacotherapy trial.

Abstract

Background: Motivation to engage in treatment and maintain adherence is essential for people with unhealthy alcohol use. Social support may increase motivation to engage in treatment. Still, there is limited knowledge regarding social support providers and types of social support that facilitate or hinder alcohol treatment participation among women with HIV (WWH). This study explores social support among WWH in Florida: types, sources, and perceived impact on drinking outcomes.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 WWH (mean age 49, 85% Black) with a history of unhealthy drinking enrolled in an alcohol pharmacotherapy trial. Participants discussed their sources, types, and the importance of social support in trial participation. Transcripts were thematically analyzed using NVivo 12.0.

Results: The most mentioned source of social support was social networks, including family and friends. Abstinent family members provided more support by discouraging drinking and motivating recovery. The most frequently mentioned types of social support for alcohol treatment were emotional, including non-judgmental listening, trustworthiness, and care, as well as informational, such as teaching WWH about new topics and engaging them in conversations. Women also emphasized the importance of encouragement and open discussions in alcohol treatment.

Conclusion: WWH highlighted that social support from their social networks benefited their alcohol treatment through engagement and positive social interactions. Encouraging support is essential. Thus, social support reinforces adherence to both alcohol use and HIV treatment, thereby improving outcomes across the HIV care continuum in underserved communities.