Citation

Swartz HA, Markowitz JC, Sewell MC. Psychiatr. Serv. 1998; 49(12): 1612-1614.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, American Psychiatric Association)

DOI

10.1176/ps.49.12.1612

PMID

9856626

Abstract

Thirty-three HIV-positive women, 12 of whom were pregnant, participated in semistructured interviews to define areas of psychosocial need. Eighty-eight percent of the subjects reported current unemployment. A history of substance abuse was reported by 82 percent, suicide attempts by 52 percent, and sexual problems by 43 percent. Approximately 30 percent reported elevated levels of depressive symptoms on standardized symptom inventories. The pregnant women appeared psychologically healthier than the nonpregnant group. HIV-positive women face multiple psychosocial stressors and may experience significant psychological distress.

Language: en

Keywords

Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Depression; Female; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Personality Inventory; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Sick Role; Social Adjustment; Stress, Psychological