Título en español.

Abstract

Research on the benefits of social support has documented the positive impact of support on the state of mind, quality of life, and the feeling of empowerment of people. The HIV/AIDS related social support networks in Puerto Rico have an interrupted and difficult history. However, their potential for the organization of people living with HIV/AIDS in Puerto Rico is unlimited, particularly in hostile and stigmatizing environments for this diagnostic. This study had the objective of exploring the development of these support networks in Puerto Rico, their experiences and, present obstacles. We used an exploratory and qualitative method with techniques of focal groups of sero-positive people and in-depth interviews with community key-informants. The results show the success of past support networks in Puerto Rico, the need to collaborate in the development of present networks, and the obstacles that such effort confronts, specifically the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and the related stigma. The authors discuss the need to influence state health policies so the networks may succeed in their efforts.