Moore J, Smith DK, Solomon L, Harrison J, Schoenbaum E; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11; 9: 887 (abstract no. PO-D20-4016).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.

GOAL: To assess the impact of HIV infection on women by comparing quality of life measures for HIV+ and HIV- women drawn from comparable populations who have similar risk factors. METHODS: Seventy-two HIV-infected and 59 uninfected women were recruited from the ALIVE study in Baltimore, MD, and HIV clinics in Detroit, MI; Providence, RI; and The Bronx, NY. Women were interviewed about 1) changes in social relationships in the previous 6 months, 2) other life event changes, and 3) psychological well-being. RESULTS: SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS: HIV+ and HIV- women were equally likely to report losing a sexual partner in the past 6 months (16%) and starting a new sexual relationship in the past 6 months (15%). More HIV- than HIV+ women reported that their children had left to live elsewhere in the past 6 months (18 vs 6%; p < .04). HIV+ women were significantly more likely than HIV- women to have an HIV+ spouse (40% v 14%) or regular sex partner (29% v 8%). Both groups of women were likely to have HIV+ family members (30% v 35%), close friends (65% v 45%), or acquaintances (52% v 60%). LIFE EVENTS: There were no significant differences in the percentage of HIV+ and HIV- women who had lost their jobs, had a loss of income, been forced to move, or been homeless during the previous 6 months. However, a higher percentage of HIV- than of HIV+ women reported starting a new job and increasing their income during the past months. PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING: HIV+ and HIV- women did not differ significantly on measures of anxiety or depression. CONCLUSION: The HIV+ women in this sample had not experienced significantly more negative life events than those in the control group. Instead, both groups reported frequent changes and stresses in their lives. These results point to the necessity for including comparable negative controls when examining the psychosocial impact of HIV infection on women.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Baltimore
• Child
• Control Groups
• Depression
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Risk Factors
• Sexual Partners

Other ID:

• 93337939

UI: 102207319

From Meeting Abstracts