Heterosexual couples confronting the challenges of HIV infection. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


Heterosexual couples confronting the challenges of HIV infection.

AIDS Care. 1999 Apr;11(2):181-93. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99403869
VanDevanter N; Thacker AS; Bass G; Arnold M; Columbia University School of Public Health, Division of; Sociomedical Sciences, New York, NY 10032, USA. nlvl@columbia.edu

Abstract: Couples confronted with HIV infection face significant challenges. Little is known about the impact of HIV on heterosexual couples who account for the vast majority of cases worldwide and an increasing proportion of cases in the USA, especially among women. In this study, analysis of data collected on HIV-discordant couples participating in a ten-week support group revealed four major groups of issues: (1) dealing with the emotional and sexual impact on the relationship; (2) confronting reproductive decisions; (3) planning for the future of children and the surviving partner; and (4) disclosure of the HIV infection to friends and family. These findings have implications for the design of interventions to enhance adaptation to HIV for discordant couples.
Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PSYCHOLOGY Adult Family Planning Family Relations Female *Heterosexuality Human HIV Infections/*PSYCHOLOGY HIV Long-Term Survivors Male Self Disclosure Self-Help Groups Stress, Psychological/ETIOLOGY Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.KWDjournalarticleacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/psychologyadultfamilyplanningfamilyrelationsfemaleKWDheterosexualityhumanhivinfections/KWDpsychologyhivlong-termsurvivorsmaleselfdisclosureself-helpgroupsstress,psychological/etiologysupport,uKWDsKWDgov't,pKWDhKWDs
991230
A99C1063

Copyright © 1999 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1999. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1999. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .