Journal of Black Studies 43(5) 571–595 © The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permission: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0021934712440171 http://jbs.sagepub.com 440171JBS 43 5 10.1177/0021934712440 171Edwards et al.Journal of Black Studies © The Author(s) 2012 Reprints and permission: http://www. sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav 1 Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD, USA 2 Kellogg Health Scholars Program, Washington, DC, USA Corresponding Author: Lorece V. Edwards, Morgan State University School of Community Health and Policy, 3225 Southgreen Rd., Windsor Mill, MD 21244 Email: LoreceEdwards@aol.com Am I My Mother’s Keeper? Children as Unexpected Sources of Social Support Among African American Women Living With HIV-AIDS Lorece V. Edwards 1 , Shalon M. Irving 2 , Ndidi N. Amutah 2 , and Kim D. Sydnor 2 Abstract HIV-AIDS continues to be an escalating health problem, particularly among women. In the United States, African American women are among the leading demographic groups for HIV prevalence. African American women represent 65% of the total women living with HIV-AIDS. The typical woman with HIV- AIDS is young, in her 20s, economically challenged, and of childbearing age. Adherence to HIV therapies is critical if patients are to achieve and maintain virologic suppression. Adherence is especially significant for women, who are often the gatekeepers of care for the family. Scholars have long recognized the importance of social support for general health and well-being.This study explores unexpected sources of social support among women living with HIV-AIDS and how social support networks may affect medication adherence, health, and well-being.Young children were identified as social actors of care. Article at MORGAN STATE UNIV on February 3, 2015 jbs.sagepub.com Downloaded from