The Analysis of an Innovative HIV-Positive Women's Support Group

ABSTRACT

It has been demonstrated that engagement and retention are key components for the delivery of successful health care for HIV-positive individuals. Many social workers are often frustrated with the difficulty in forming and maintaining support groups; however, some providers have greater success. This paper illustrates and discusses an innovative support group for HIV-positive women in central Massachusetts. The purpose of this paper is to describe the context, formation, and functioning of the group, followed by a deconstruction analysis. In addition, the paper will build on this innovative method of support group work by suggesting additional women-engaging themes, activities, and tasks.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV/AIDS support group
• women's groups
• feminism
• mutual aid
• consumers
• engagement and retention