Citation

Simoni JM, Cooperman NA. AIDS Care 2000; 12(3): 291-297.

Affiliation

Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461-1602, USA. jsimoni@aecom.yu.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2000, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/09540120050042945

PMID

10928206

Abstract

We conducted face-to-face interviews with a non-probability sample of 373 women living with HIV/AIDS in New York City. Most were indigent African-Americans and Latinas (M age = 39.61 years). Participants reported considerable stressors. For example, 59% (n = 221) had been sexually abused and 69% (n = 258) physically abused at some point in their lives. In the past 30 days, 9% reported having injected drugs. However, participants also reported considerable strengths, including high levels of spirituality, mastery and HIV-related social support. Multivariate analyses indicated these resources were generally associated with less depressive symptomatology. Findings suggest the need for thorough psychosocial evaluations of women living with HIV to facilitate psychological adaptation, including an exploration of their strengths and culturally-based competencies.

Language: en