Document 0307
 DOCN  M9590307
 TI    Positive women and their sexuality.
 DT    9509
 AU    Hankins C; Centre for AIDS Studies, Montreal Regional Public Health
       Team,; Quebec, CA.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:198 (unnumbered
       abstract). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291792
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of HIV+ test result on female sex
       life. METHODS: In confidential interviews, 161 women provided recall
       data for the 6 months before learning result, the post-test adjustment
       period, and the current month. RESULTS: Median age is 34 years (16-68)
       and median number of lifetime sex partners is 8. Ninety-five (59%) women
       acquired HIV heterosexually; 34 (21%) via needlesharing; 6 (4%) via
       blood transfusion; 1 via medical treatment; 25 (16%) didn't know. 110
       (68%) have had sex post-test; 48 resumed having sex within same month of
       learning test result and 62 within a median of 4 months (1 month to 8
       years). Eighty-six have a regular partner (59 same as before test, 27
       new steady partner). Thirty-four female report a median of 9 months (1
       to 60 months) during which they underwent adjustment to the idea of
       having sex; 18 didn't need such a time of transition and 58 (53%) are
       still in the adjustment phase. Women enjoy sex more with new regular
       partner (41%) than with same pre-test regular partner (25%) or with
       casual partners (8%). Seventy-three percent informed their regular
       partner of their positive status but 75% found it difficult. CONCLUSION:
       After initial adjustment period during which women living with HIV
       express doubt and fear about HIV transmission and exacerbation of
       illness, some women and in particular those who have a new regular
       partner since learning HIV status report a satisfying sex life.
 DE    Adolescence  Adult  Aged  AIDS Serodiagnosis  Female  Follow-Up Studies
       Human  HIV Seropositivity/PSYCHOLOGY/*TRANSMISSION  *Knowledge,
       Attitudes, Practice  Middle Age  Risk Factors  *Sex Behavior  Sexual
       Partners/PSYCHOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

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