Psychosocial support for HIV-infected populations in developing countries: a key yet understudied component of positive prevention.

Increased attention is being given to positive prevention which emphasizes intervening with HIV-infected individuals to reduce their likelihood of infecting others and enhancing quality of life. Numerous published research studies have been conducted in wealthy countries on psychosocial support for individuals infected with HIV some showing efficacy in reducing HIV risk behavior. It is however unclear whether psychosocial support services will reduce HIV risk behaviors in less economically developed settings. To examine this issue we conducted a systematic review of quantitative studies in developing countries to establish an evidence base for psychosocial support services for HIV-infected clients as a behavioral risk reduction intervention. (excerpt)