HIV Infection In Young Women Research Articles

Retention, adherence, and compliance: special needs of HIV-infected adolescent girls and young women

Purpose To demonstrate that whereas all HIV-infected youth evidence complex factors that challenge retention in care and adherence to treatment, HIV-infected females have additional issues that are gender-specific. Methods Preliminary data from a subset of 21 adolescent/young women under age 25 from the Whole Life mental health-perinatal HIV care project were analyzed to illustrate the needs of these patients. Results Of the 21 young women assessed, all but one was of minority background, and a sizeable majority had limited education (<high school diploma) and were quite poor (incomes <$500/mo.). Nearly 67% first learned of their HIV status between ages 16 and 19 years. More than three-fourths were pregnant and, of these, more than one-third entered prenatal care in the last trimester. More than half had responsibility for one to two other children. Two-thirds reported having unprotected sex in the prior 6 months. Nearly 43% had CD4 counts of 500 or below. About one-third screened positive for a mental health problem, and the majority reported a striking frequency of exposure to abusive events and traumatic losses across their short lifetimes. Conclusions Adolescent girls and young women have unique needs for developmentally appropriate medical and psychosocial approaches to promote retention and adherence.

The multicentre study on factors determining the differential spread of HIV in four African cities: summary and conclusions.

In all regions of sub-Saharan Africa the predominant mode of transmission of HIV is through heterosexual intercourse however there are large variations in the rate and extent of the spread of HIV in different populations. This study was conducted to identify the factors that influence the rapid spread of HIV in four African cities namely Cotonou (Benin) Yaounde (Cameroon) Kisumu (Kenya) and Ndola (Zambia). Results demonstrated that high rates of partner change and being married are risk factors for HIV infection in men in at least one city but are risk factors for women in all four cities. In addition condom use among sex workers did not show a difference between the low and high prevalence cities. Furthermore no evidence of changes towards safer sexual behavior was identified in the high HIV prevalence cities. The only factors that were more common in the two high HIV prevalence cities than in the two low HIV prevalence cities were young age at first intercourse for women young age at first marriage and large age difference between the spouses. It was also noted that the high levels of HIV infection among young people especially among female adolescents in Kisumu and Ndola highlight the importance of interventions targeted at young people and their partners.

Number of pregnancies, outcome expectancies, and social norms among HIV-infected young women.

In this descriptive study, researchers examined pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and sexual behaviors among 67 HIV-infected young women, as well as the women's outcome expectancies and peer and partner norms regarding pregnancy. Many of the women (69%) had been pregnant; 42% had been pregnant at least once since learning their HIV status, with 71% choosing to carry to term, resulting in 25% (N = 5) of the babies infected. The women had positive outcome expectancies related to pregnancy, which were significantly correlated with peer and partner social norms. Lack of knowledge regarding infant transmission, high rates of STDs, and inconsistent condom use all indicate a need for improved intervention regarding pregnancy and decision-making. Suggestions for better methods of providing information to HIV+ young women are provided.Factors that influence pregnancy and knowledge of the consequences of HIV seropositivity were explored in interviews with 67 HIV-infected young US women (mean age, 19.9 years) recruited from AIDS medical clinics in New York, New York; San Francisco, California; Los Angeles, California; and Miami, Florida. 69% of respondents had been pregnant prior to their HIV diagnosis. Since learning of their HIV serostatus, 42% had been pregnant at least once and 71% of these women carried the child to term; five of the infants were HIV-positive. Of the 33 women who had children, 23 reported that the child lived at home with them. The average correct HIV/AIDS knowledge score was 71%. 38% were unaware that a pregnant HIV-positive woman can lower the risk of maternal-fetal transmission by taking medication and 17% did not know that breast-feeding can transmit HIV. Women who became pregnant after learning they were HIV-positive were no more likely to get these items correct, suggesting that HIV-infected women are not being counseled adequately about pregnancy. Although 68% thought the infant of an HIV-infected mother was at high risk of HIV transmission, 43% expected their peers would be supportive if they wanted a baby and 56% anticipated a positive response from their partner. Most women believed they would be able to care for a baby, without the need for parental involvement or foster care placement. Positive outcome expectancies related to pregnancy, as well as partner and peer social norms, may influence young HIV-positive women's pregnancy-related decisions.

Number of pregnancies, outcome expectancies, and social norms among HIV-infected young women.

In this descriptive study, researchers examined pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and sexual behaviors among 67 HIV-infected young women, as well as the women's outcome expectancies and peer and partner norms regarding pregnancy. Many of the women (69%) had been pregnant; 42% had been pregnant at least once since learning their HIV status, with 71% choosing to carry to term, resulting in 25% (N = 5) of the babies infected. The women had positive outcome expectancies related to pregnancy, which were significantly correlated with peer and partner social norms. Lack of knowledge regarding infant transmission, high rates of STDs, and inconsistent condom use all indicate a need for improved intervention regarding pregnancy and decision-making. Suggestions for better methods of providing information to HIV+ young women are provided.