A comparison of the psychosocial needs of hospice patients with AIDS and those with other diagnoses

Hosp J. 1991;7(1-2):61-9. doi: 10.1080/0742-969x.1991.11882691.

Abstract

We compared the amount of psychosocial support required and received by patients with AIDS and without AIDS at Cedar Valley Hospice, Waterloo, Iowa. Hospice patients with AIDS (N = 11) required significantly more psychosocial support than non-AIDS patients (N = 36) of the same average age. The amount of non-hospice social support--family, congregation, and neighbors--received by AIDS patients was significantly less than that received by those with other diagnoses due to a virtual lack of neighbor support. There were no significant differences in family or congregational support. The high level of family support and lack of neighbor support may have been a result of many (8) of the AIDS patients having moved back to the area to die. A survey of hospice staff showed they felt working with AIDS patients was both more time consuming and more stressful than working with patients with other diagnoses.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology*
  • Adult
  • Health Personnel / psychology
  • Hospice Care / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Iowa
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Social Support*
  • Stress, Psychological