Impoverished women at risk for AIDS. Social support variables

1. Among impoverished and homeless individuals, little is known about the impact of social support, defined as emotional, informational, and tangible help that may have health-sustaining and stress-reducing functions. 2. A lack of positive social support, unemployment, and the prevalence of poor physical health and psychological distress may contribute to the extreme vulnerability of indigent populations. 3. Information is needed about the social support network of homeless and impoverished women related to personal and behavioral variables, particularly illegal drug use and risky sexual activity, and mental health status.