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APHA 1996 Abstract: A Survey of Women with HIV about Their Desires
for Care
Presented at: American Public Health Association 124th Annual Meeting, November 1996
A Survey of Women with HIV about Their Desires for
Care
Karen
Meredith, M.P.H., R.N., Jennifer Delaney, B.S., Mary Horgan, M.D., Edwin Fisher, Ph.D.,
Victoria Fraser, M.D. Women comprise the fastest growing group to be infected with HIV. It
is important to understand what women with HIV want in their health services. We surveyed
50 of 119 clients (42%) enrolled in a new center for women with HIV, using a structured
interview that focused on their past use of medical services and their expectations for
HIV care. Respondents were 72% African-American, with a median age of 27.5, a median
education level of 12 years, and a median CD4 level of 311. All women had accessed medical
care within two years prior to learning their HIV serostatus, most commonly obstetrical
(50%) and gynecological (77%) services. In response to open-ended questions, clients most
often mentioned wanting personalized care and respect by medical staff (n=28, [56%]),
having someone to talk to about problems (n=28, [56%]), honest answers about their
condition (n=23, [46%]), medical follow-up (n=21, [42%]), reduced barriers to care (n=20,
[40%]), and education about their condition (n=15, [30%]). In response to direct
questioning, 92% (n=46) of the clients ranked seeing a doctor, learning about their
condition, and being seen in a pleasant environment as very important. Responses are
analyzed according to client demographics, stage of illnesses, history of physical and/or
sexual abuse, and appointment-keeping patterns. It is important for programs to tailor the
delivery of services they provide around women with HIV.
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