Document 2097
 DOCN  M94A2097
 TI    Women and AIDS. Steady partners, are they safe?
 DT    9412
 AU    Pereira TM; Santos V; Fonseca CM; Banco da Providencia da Arquidiocese
       do Rio de Janeiro-Brazil.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):381 (abstract no. PD0130). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370478
 AB    OBJECTIVES: To verify psychosocial aspects and emotional reactions of
       women infected by steady partners. METHODS: During 1993, 60 women HIV+
       living in poor areas of Rio de Janeiro, who had steady sexual partners
       were interviewed by the social assistant and by two psychologists by
       means of a standard questionnaire. The most relevant answers: How did
       you feel about the result of your HIV test? How did you fell about your
       partner when you learned that you tested HIV+? How do you feel at
       present? What are your social and economic conditions? These women were
       tested after the death of their partners or though tests made during
       pregnancy period or after appearance of oportunistic deseases compatible
       with HIV infection. RESULTS: It was found that women were contaminated
       by steady partners addicted to injected drugs and/or bisexuals, the
       condition of the latter being unknown to the women. It is to be stressed
       that a large majority of the women remained with their partners after
       learning that they were HIV+. After being informed of their condition
       the predominant feeling among most of the patients was of apathy, of
       being unwilling to acknowledge their real feelings. Others revealed
       feelings of fear, depression and anger. Later according to their
       answers, the women stated that they feel pity, hurt and solidariry with
       regards to their partners. Presently the women are hopeful for a
       possible cure, worry about the future of their children and about their
       own health. CONCLUSIONS: The women who were interviewed are the product
       of a male dominated society where they are brought up to be protected,
       to be compassionate and maternal, becoming submisse to the partners that
       infected them. Therefore, these women have a low level of self-esteem
       and are unable to make decisions about themselves. It was considered
       necessary at this stage to establish a group with a view to raise. Their
       level of consciouness, of self-esteem and affective/emotional growth in
       order to bear the pressures to which they are subjected, internally and
       externally.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PREVENTION & CONTROL/
       PSYCHOLOGY/*TRANSMISSION  Bisexuality/PSYCHOLOGY  Brazil  *Developing
       Countries  Female  Gender Identity  Human  HIV
       Seropositivity/PSYCHOLOGY/TRANSMISSION  Internal-External Control
       Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice  Poverty/PSYCHOLOGY  Risk Factors  Self
       Concept  *Sex Behavior  *Sexual Partners/PSYCHOLOGY  Substance Abuse,
       Intravenous/COMPLICATIONS/PSYCHOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).