Abstract:
Poor social support coupled with poor coping mechanisms among
people with HIV infection may drive them to alcohol and illicit drug
use to cope with the significant psychological challenges that HIV
infection presents. In return, this affects adherence to Highly Active
Antiretroviral Therapy and progression to Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome contributing to high mortality. The aim of the
study was to explore perceived social support among clients using
alcohol and illicit drugs at the Comprehensive Care Centre of the Coast
General Hospital – Mombasa. The CAGE – AID (acronym for cut
down, annoyed, guilty, eye opener – adapted to include drug use) tool
was used to screen for alcohol and illicit drugs use and clients who
scored ≥2 were included in the study. Convenience sampling method
was used whereby 235 respondents were consecutively enrolled.
Patients with a CAGE-AID score of ≥2 who consented were subjected
to a socio-demographic questionnaire and the multidimensional scale of
perceived social support (MSPSS). Data analysis was done using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21.0. Descriptive
statistics were used to examine demographic characteristics. An
analysis of variance was done to determine the significance of
associations between the population characteristics and the various
dimensions of social support. The confidence interval was set at 95%, p
value at <0.05.The findings of the study demonstrated inadequate
social support among HIV/AIDS infected alcohol and illicit drugs
users. Providing social support may decrease the risk of alcohol and
illicit drugs use hence better health outcomes. Social support should be
strengthened in comprehensive care.
