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. 2019 Aug;23(8):2155-2175.
doi: 10.1007/s10461-018-2294-z.

Validity of Social Support Scales Utilized Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Affected Populations: A Systematic Review

Deshira D Wallace  1 , Allison Pack  2 , Breana Uhrig Castonguay  3 , J L Stewart  4 , Christine Schalkoff  2 , Sruthi Cherkur  2 , Margot Schein  2 , Matthew Go  2 , Jackson Devadas  2 , Edwin B Fisher  2 , Carol E Golin  2   3
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Validity of Social Support Scales Utilized Among HIV-Infected and HIV-Affected Populations: A Systematic Review

Deshira D Wallace et al. AIDS Behav. 2019 Aug.

Abstract

Social support enhances self-management and prevention of behaviors and is typically assessed using self-report scales; however, little is known about the validity of these scales in HIV-infected or affected populations. This systematic review aims to identify available validated social support scales used in HIV-infected and HIV-affected populations. A systematic literature search using key search terms was conducted in electronic databases. After rounds abstract screenings, full-text reviews, and data abstraction 17 studies remained, two of which assessed multiple social support scales, which increased number of scales to 19. Most scales assessed positive social support behaviors (n = 18). Most scales assessed perceived social support (n = 14) compared to received social support. Reliability ranged from 0.67 to 0.97. The most common forms of validation reported were content validity and construct validity and the least was criterion-related validity. Future research should seek to build evidence for validation for existing scales used in HIV-infected or HIV-affected populations.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS; Measurement; Reliability; Social support; Validation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Deshira D. Wallace declares that she has no conflict of interest. Allison Pack declares that she has no conflict of interest. Breana Uhrig Castonguay declares that she has no conflict of interest. J.L. Stewart declares that she has no conflict of interest. Christine Schalkoff declares that she has no conflict of interest. Sruthi Cherkur declares that she has no conflict of interest. Margot Schein declares that she has no conflict of interest. Matthew Go declares that he has no conflict of interest. Jackson Devadas declares that he has no conflict of interest. Edwin B. Fisher declares that he has no conflict of interest. Carol E. Golin declares that she has no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Social Support Systematic Review Flow Diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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