| Abstrakt: |
As the HIVinfection rate among AfricanAmerican women steadily increases, the body of research focusing on the lives, health, and concerns of HIV-positive African American women remains insufficient. Through primarily qualitative techniques, this study aims to gain insight into the health issues and concerns of HIV-positive African American women. Focus groups with small numbers of HIV-positive African American women were conducted to understand what factors strengthen and weaken medication adherence for women, determine what women's needs are about these issues, and to find out how medical community and service providers can help meet women's needs about adherence. Results from a series of face-to-face interviews with 98 HIV-positive African Americanwomen provided insights on how women with HIV and AIDS take care of themselves, and to what extent various life experiences and events influence self-care and adherence. Focus group findings identified factors that weaken and strengthen current medication adherence. Focus group participants also made several recommendations for future adherence strategies and tactics. Face-to-face interviews demonstrate the impact of substance use and past sexual abuse upon women's efforts to adhere to medication and treatment regimens. Implications and recommendations derived from the analysis provide suggestions for enhancing medication adherence strategies. Enhancing methods of increasing adherence rates for medical and human service professionals can improve support services for African American women living with HIV and AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
