Assessing social support of people with AIDS

Research indicates that social support has a direct effect on health, buffers the effects of physical and emotional stress, and mediates immune dysfunction. Although nurses frequently incorporate social support needs during patient assessment, it may not be specific or systematic. Assessment of social support for the person with AIDS is important because of the devastating psychosocial consequences of the disease. Using the nursing process as a framework, this article presents tools for assessment and practical suggestions for diagnosis, goal setting, interventions, and evaluation of social support needs. Nurses can make a valuable contribution to health promotion for the person with AIDS by specifically and systematically assessing social support needs.