https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9422-0519
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ABSTRACT
Social networks and social support are important factors in medication adherence among people living with HIV (PLWH). Social networks can provide emotional, logistic, and material support leading to increased overall engagement in care. Certain populations of PLWH may have more limited access to social support, including those reentering community settings from correctional facilities. During periods of incarceration, social connections with family and friends may be frayed, reduced, or lost. This study, conducted in South Africa, explored the role of social support during community reentry among PLWH being released from correctional facilities. We conducted in-depth interviews with 41 community reentrants living with HIV. Qualitative analysis identified the challenges with establishing social support during reentry and the greater need for social support to remain engaged in HIV care in the community compared to in the correctional facility. These findings highlight challenges during community reentry and the importance of social support for these individuals.
Acknowledgments
We wish to thank all the participants for their engagement and trust in the research process. Additionally, we wish to thank the team from The Aurum Institute for support and study oversight, and for providing the team with critical connections in the field.
Disclosure statement
The authors report no real or perceived vested interests that relate to this article that could be construed as a conflict of interest.
Data availability statement
The data set used for this publication is available upon request from the authors.
Geolocation information
This study was conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa.