Identifying HIV-Infected Women's Psychosocial Stressors: Findings from a Qualitative Study

Abstract

To inform future psychosocial interventions for HIV-infected women, five focus groups were conducted with 29 HIV-infected women (72% African American). Sessions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded by two raters. HIV-specific stressors included difficulties with serostatus disclosure, HIV medication adherence, and HIV-related discrimination. Stressors not directly linked to HIV were described as more concerning and included mental health or substance use problems, relationship challenges, caretaking for children or grandchildren, and financial difficulties. Participants suggested that interventions provide social support from other HIV-infected women, consistent case management and social work services, and forums to acquire additional information about HIV and treatment options.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV-infected women
• stress
• coping
• psychosocial interventions

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank Larry Hammonds, Sarah Johnson, and Janan Wyatt for their assistance with data collection and the Infectious Disease Clinic staff and patients at SUNY Upstate Medical University for their support of this work.