Document 0020
 DOCN  M9460020
 TI    Identification of psychobiological stressors among HIV-positive women.
       HIV Neurobehavioral Research Center (HNRC) Group.
 DT    9408
 AU    Semple SJ; Patterson TL; Temoshok LR; McCutchan JA; Straits-Troster KA;
       Chandler JL; Grant I; University of California, San Diego.
 SO    Women Health. 1993;20(4):15-36. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94225823
 AB    This research describes major stressors in the lives of women who have
       been infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Thirty-one
       HIV antibody positive (HIV+) women infected primarily through
       heterosexual contact participated in a two hour semi-structured
       interview detailing the circumstances, context, and consequences of all
       stressful life events and difficulties experienced within the preceding
       six months. Qualitative methods of data analyses were utilized (Miles &
       Huberman, 1984). HIV-related life events and difficulties were
       classified into primary and secondary stressors based on the stress
       process model (Pearlin et al., 1981). Problems arising directly from
       one's seropositivity were defined as primary stressors. Stressful life
       events and difficulties occurring in other role areas were defined as
       secondary stressors. Six categories of HIV-related stressors were
       identified and quantified. Primary stressors were health-related, and
       included both gynecological problems (e.g., amenorrhea) and general
       symptoms of HIV infection (e.g., fatigue). Secondary stressors related
       to child and family (e.g., future guardianship of children),
       marital/partner relations (e.g., disclosure of HIV+ status), occupation
       (e.g., arranging time-off for medical appointments), economic problems
       (e.g., insurance hassles), and social network events (e.g., death of
       friends from AIDS). This research indicates that HIV-positive women are
       exposed to multiple stressors; some may be viewed as unique to women,
       whereas others may be considered common to both sexes. Identification of
       stressors has implications for the design of medical and psychiatric
       interventions for women.
 DE    Adult  Cohort Studies  Family  Female  Human  HIV
       Seropositivity/ECONOMICS/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*PSYCHOLOGY  Longitudinal Studies
       Marriage  Middle Age  Prevalence  Stress, Psychological/*ETIOLOGY
       Support, Non-U.S. Gov't  Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.  United
       States/EPIDEMIOLOGY  Women, Working  *Women's Health  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).