Learning Objective #1: Articulate problems experienced by women with HIV/AIDS

Learning Objective #2: Determine effective interventions and solutions for women with HIV/AIDS

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PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine problems and solutions for women with symptomatic HIV/AIDS.FRAMEWORK:These problems and solutions were viewed within the context of Lazarus and Folkman's Stress and coping model.DESIGN: A secondary analysis using descripive statistics was used for the purpose of identifying problems experienced and solutions to these problems that were used by women with HIV/AIDS. SUBJECTS:Subjects included 120 women (baseline data upon entry into the study)with HIV who were entered into an intervention study that was aimed at boosting their social support. ANALYSIS: Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics to determine the frequency and ranking and of problems and solutions experienced by these women. RESULTS: The problems experienced by women with HIV/AIDS were often related to but not necessarly specific to HIV/AIDS. The diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in and of itself was not the leading problem for these women. Among the leading problems that were experienced by these women in rank order were: finances;housing;employment;emotional well being; social issues; physical issues;emotional issues;fatigue; drug and alcohol dependency;healthcare system;and health insurance.Solutions to these problems were often problem specific and often not effective. These results strongly suggest the need for testing effective interventions determined in collaboration with health care providers to facilitate problem solutions that will ultimately facilitate coping and mitigate stress.