Psychological trauma associated with AIDS and HIV infection in women

The growing numbers of women faced with HIV infection and AIDS has specific counselling implications. This paper analyses the psychological needs of all women patients seen by the psychology department (n = 33) over the past 12 months. The mean age was 32.3 years. Psychological crisis was high. Four women reported rapes (three accounting for their HIV infection). Two women had suicide attempts (one on two occasions), Death experiences were notable, including multiple bereavement. Conjidentiality was problematic for many of the women. Problems were reported around pre- and post-test counselling which was absent for three women, and often surrounded the diagnosis of a loved one (child, husband or partner). Most women were first seen as in-patients (when disease progression was extensive) or when their partners or children were in-patients. Despite offers of out-patients follow-up, only four HIV + ve women attended, three of which were irregular. A group of ten women were only seen indirectly when provision of care wasgiven to their children. A consistent group were seen with worries about HIV (either due to sexual contact with a known HZV+ ve or at risk individual) or to unfounded concerns often reflecting underlying psychological problems. This paper explores the counselling challenges of AIDS and HIV for women.     

Parental reports of emotional and behavioural difficulties on the SDQ for school-age children with vertically acquired HIV infection living in London

This study uses a screening questionnaire (the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ) to indicate levels of parental or carer concern about behavioural or emotional difficulties in a representative group of school-age children with vertically acquired HIV attending London clinics. Fourteen per cent of the total 107 children screened were reported to have behavioural and emotional difficulties scoring in the "abnormal" range. Older children tended to have higher scores. Overall, levels of reported difficulties were found to be similar to those reported for other chronic childhood illnesses and slightly higher than in the general child population.     

Where is the Faith? Using a CBPR Approach to Propose Adaptations to an Evidence-Based HIV Prevention Intervention for Adolescents in African American Faith Settings

African American adolescents are at increased risk for HIV/AIDS. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we engaged three black churches in adapting an evidence-based HIV prevention intervention, Focus on Youth (FOY)+ImPACT, for faith settings. To identify potential adaptations to increase FOY’s relevance, utility, and efficacy for faith settings, we conducted eight focus groups pre- and post-intervention. Recommendations for maintaining FOY’s core elements and enhancing its cultural authenticity include the following: incorporating faith tools, building pastor capacity, strengthening parent–child communication skills, and expanding social support for parents and youth. Engaging faith communities in adapting and implementing evidence-based HIV prevention programs could reduce HIV/AIDS disparities.