Measurement of the role of families in prevention and adaptation to HIV/AIDS

Willo Pequegnat, Laurie J. Bauman, James H. Bray, Ralph DiClemente, Colleen DiIorio, Sue Keir Hoppe, Loretta Sweet Jemmott, Beatrice Krauss, Margaret Miles, Roberta Paikoff, Bruce Rapkin, Mary Jane Rotheram-Borus, José Szapocznik

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

HIV is a family disease. Family research in HIV is challenging because of complexities of family measurement, the range of family constellations across cultures, and the issues specific to HIV-affected families. A Consortium of NIMH-funded investigators is conducting HIV research on families - defined as networks of mutual commitments. A procedure for identifying the "family" is proposed. This article reviews assessment strategies from two research traditions, both of which have been greatly concerned with social context: family assessment tradition - family membership, parenting, and interactional dynamics; HIV/AIDS research tradition - HIV-relevant constructs generalized to minority families. Initially, a systematic procedure for defining family membership is provided. Constructs and measures derived from the family assessment tradition are described, including self-report and observational procedures. Constructs and measures of relevance to family research that originated in the HIV/AIDS research tradition are described: HIV knowledge, stigma, disclosure, and social support. Constructs presented derive from the Consortium's research on the role of families in prevention and adaptation to HIV/AIDS. Most of the research conducted by the Consortium has taken place with inner-city, minority, heterosexual families. By informing the selection of constructs and measures relevant to investigating the role of families in HIV prevention, and adaptation to living with HIV/AIDS, it is the Consortium's intention to enhance the quality and quantity of research at the intersection of families and HIV/AIDS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-19
Number of pages19
JournalAIDS and Behavior
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2001

Keywords

  • Families
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Measurement
  • Minorities

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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