Experiences of HIV-Positive Women in Sydney, Australia

Abstract

A previous study examining antiretroviral adherence by people who were HIV/AIDS positive in an outpatient setting in Central Sydney Health Service (CSAHS) highlighted that women represented only 3.75% of the total number of people who accessed the outpatient clinic (Cummins, Trotter, & Millar, 2002). A recommendation from this study was to identify what services were being accessed within CSAHS by women with HIV/AIDS and the level of awareness these women had of HIV/AIDS-related services. At the time of this current study, it was estimated that 130 HIV-positive women lived within CSAHS (J. Ally, CSAHS HIV Health Promotion Unit, personal communication, January 21, 1997). Current surveillance statistics on HIV-positive women living within CSAHS have been impossible to obtain from government and nongovernment organizations. The National Women’s Health Policy (1992) of Australia has sought to address what is perceived to be inappropriate and ineffective service for all women generally in the health sector (p. 1). Integral to this policy’s development was the recognition of women’s position in society and the way in which this affects their health status and their ability to access health services. Failure to recognize the needs of women living with HIV mirrors gender inequalities within a broader context, contributing to inappropriate and often substandard service provision. In Australia, little research has been undertaken focusing on women’s experiences, specific needs, or how they cope with living with HIV/AIDS. Many HIV-positive women in the state of New South Wales, Australia, live in isolation with their HIV diagnosis and have a great fear of disclosure, which affects the services they are willing to access (D. Barton, coordinator for Positive Heterosexuals, CSAHS, personal communication, February 7, 2001). Many available models of care, support programs, educational material, and prevention programs have been developed largely for homosexual male communities. Consequently, services for women have been attached to those already established for homosexual men. Women living with HIV face major obstacles in accessing the services and supports currently available. The purpose of this study was to gain a current view of the experiences and use of health services by women who are living with HIV/AIDS. This would enable the researchers to identify knowledge and use of current services. Furthermore, experiences and needs can be identified through the respondent’s comments as well as measures for improving on the provision of appropriate health care for this population.