Baranova E, Nedzelski NA; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 1175 (abstract no. 60960).
Russian Names Fund Moscow, Russia.
ISSUE: Institutionalization of AIDS in Russia, and a lack of a supporting environment, causes many people with HIV to feel isolated and powerless which often results in "victim attitudes", substance abuse, relationship problems, and a generally poor quality of life. PROJECT: Positive Club in Moscow has a 4 years' experience in providing a welcoming place where people with HIV can be open about their HIV status, offer and receive peer support, share coping experience, and receive accurate information. The Club which meets twice a month has been initiated, supported and sponsored by the Russian NAMES Fund, but is an independent, self-governed informal structure. RESULTS: Feedback from HIV+ attending the Club shows that they especially appreciate the atmosphere of openness and support at the Club meetings. The need is now felt to form more specific self-help groups around the club: a group of gay men, women, drug users etc., in order to help the people address their specific issues. LESSONS LEARNED: Self-help groups can serve as an important empowerment tool for people with HIV, and a resource for building a strong and supportive HIV+ community.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Counseling
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Services
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Homosexuality
- Homosexuality, Male
- Humans
- Male
- Moscow
- Russia
- Self-Help Groups
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102232904
From Meeting Abstracts