Medical Adherence Among Prenatal, HIV Seropositive, African American Women: Family Issues

• Published in: Family systems medicine Vol. 11; no. 4; pp. 343 - 356
• Main Authors: Shelton, Darlene, Marconi, Katherine, Pounds, Moses B., Scopetta, Mercedes, O'Sullivan, Mary Jo, Szapocznik, Jose
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Family Process, Inc 1993; Brunner/Mazel Publishers, Inc
• Subjects: Black People; Extended Family; Family Relations; Health Care Utilization; HIV; Human; Pregnancy; Prenatal Care; Social Networks; Treatment Compliance
• ISSN: 0736-1718
• DOI: 10.1037/h0089091

Four pregnant,
HIV seropositive, African American women and their families were interviewed to
explore the influence of family and extended-kinship networks on health care use
and medical adherence. The major factors that emerged as relevant to health care
in the lives of all four women were: 1) transportation, 2) child care, 3) the
pregnancy and concern for the unborn child's health, 4) the presence
of a concerned I involved family member, and 5) substance abuse. The study
supports the conclusion that families or extendedkinship networks are
significant influences in the use of health care services by these women.