Citation

Sherr L, Petrak T, Melvin D, Davey T, Glover L, Hedge B. Couns. Psychol. Q. 1993; 6(2): 99-108.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09515079308254497

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The growing numbers of women faced with HIV infection and AIDS has specific counselling implications. This paper analyses the psychological needs of all women patients seen by the psychology department (n - 33) over the past 12 months. The mean age was 32.3 years. Psychological crisis was high. Four women reported rapes (three accounting for their HIV infection). Two women had suicide attempts (one on two occasions). Death experiences were notable, including multiple bereavement. Confidentiality was problematic for many of the women. Problems were reported around pre- and post-test counselling which was absent for three women, and often surrounded the diagnosis of a loved one (child, husband or partner). Most women were first seen as in-patients (when disease progression was extensive) or when their partners or children were in-patients. Despite offers of out-patients follow-up, only four HIV + ve women attended, three of which were irregular. A group of ten women were only seen indirectly when provision of care was given to their children. A consistent group were seen with worries about HIV (either due to sexual contact with a known HIV + ve or at risk individual) or to unfounded concerns often reflecting underlying psychological problems. This paper explores the counselling challenges of AIDS and HIV for women. © 1993, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; family; suicide attempt; outpatient; death; article; clinical article; rape; mental stress; hospital patient; confidentiality; follow up; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; patient counseling; human immunodeficiency virus infection