Aids and women: An international perspective

Abstract

This article focuses on HIV infection, HIV problems that are female specific (in the biological, psychological, and sociological spheres), a national and international perspective on HIV infection, and the challenges facing women as "women at risk for HIV infection," including childbearing and childrearing. The article discusses HIV infection in females worldwide, high risk categories (including behaviors, groups, and physiological indicators), physiological parameters of HIV infection in females, and health care challenges throughout the world. The framework for AIDS assessment, risk reduction, and intervention in women is the same as for other major health problems. However, we must first know the female specific HIV risks and "HIV disease course" and incorporate that knowledge in our assessment and intervention strategies.

Teen pregnancy, motherhood, and unprotected sexual activity

“…Predominantly from vulnerable ethnic/racial groups and living in poverty (Ventura et al, 1999), many have been engaging in unprotected sexual activity (i.e., without using condoms) from an early age, have had more than one sexual partner, have a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and have experienced physical or sexual abuse (Koniak-Griffin & Lesser, 1996;Lourie et al, 1998). Physiologic changes such as opening of the cervix in late gestation may increase HIV risk from unprotected sex with an infected partner (Fletcher, 1990). Following childbirth, young mothers often choose oral or injectable contraceptives that not only do not protect against HIV but may even increase susceptibility because of hormonal effects (Plummer, 1998).…”

An Early Intervention Program for Adolescent Mothers: A Nursing Demonstration Project

“…One in four new cases of AIDS occurs in persons under age 20 years, and among young women, transmission is primarily by heterosexual sex (Office of National AIDS Policy, 1996). Pregnant adolescents are at increased risk for STDs because of physiologic changes, including opening of the cervix toward full term (Fletcher, 1990) and cervical ectopy (Roye, 1993). In addition, many of these young women have sexual partners engaging in high-risk behaviors such as using injectable drugs or having multiple sex partners, or who have bccn in jail.…”