Assessment and evaluation of psychological distress in HIV-infected Women

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Abstract
HIV-infected women are an increasingly larger group among the risk groups in Germany. In order to illuminate the psychological situation of HIV-infected women in Germany, 100 women with HIV disease were enrolled in a basic study. 71% of the patients were intravenous (IV) drug addicted and 29% were infected through other means. The study population comprised patients in all stages of the Walter Reed Classification System. We found 52% in the first stages, 28% in ARC, 8% in WR 5 and 12% in WR 6. Evaluated data included medical, socio-demographic and information regarding the patients' history of drug abuse. The SCL-90-R, a psychological symptom inventory, was applied as well as two paper and pencil tests on coping strategies and social support. We also interviewed several HIV-infected women to investigate their individual situations and coping strategies Questions about differences between the two groups of HIV-infected women (IV drug addicted vs non-drug addicted) were answered first. Second, we described three clusters of HIV-infected women with regard to different levels of psychological distress. Important factors to distinguish between these clusters are the subjective impact of physical distress (e.g., suffering from HIV-associated symptoms) and loss of joy and interest in sex. Social support and different coping strategies are mediating factors Third, we pointed out that gender itself was an important factor to explain the greater psychological distress in HIV-infected women.