Women and Violence

Physical and sexual assaults and histories of childhood abuse are disturbingly common among women with or at high risk for HIV/AIDS. Data has documented that fear of abuse and retaliation may make women reluctant to discuss possible partner infidelity or unwilling to ask their partners to use condoms. The CDC is studying whether concern about partner notification discourages women at high-risk from seeking HIV testing and counseling because of fear their partners will harm them physically.

Women's Caregiving Role

HIV-infected women often bear the responsibility of caring for children and other family members who may also be HIV-infected. Women with HIV disease often lack social support and face other challenges that interfere with their ability to adhere to treatment regimens. Many women live in isolation and fear rejection because of their HIV status.

In 1992, it was estimated that 125,000 to 150,000 children would be orphaned as a result of the deaths of more than 80,000 HIV-infected mothers. Older women are taking increased responsibility for caring for younger family members with HIV/AIDS and for children orphaned by the death of HIV-infected parents.

Access to Health Care and Other Services

Trends that show HIV infection is often diagnosed at a later stage in women than in men may be due, in part, to poor access to health care by women, especially those in minority populations. Reduced access to health care is associated with disadvantaged socioeconomic status and cultural and language barriers that limit access to prevention information and other services. To better plan for and deliver prevention programs and treatment services, systems are being developed to determine access to counseling, testing, and care. There is an increasing call for access to comprehensive, community-based systems of care for HIV-infected women, including child care, respite care, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. Ideally, case management services would also coordinate and help maintain access to primary medical care, psychological support, and financial assistance.

Research on Women and HIV/AIDS
Major Activities and Projects on Women and HIV/AIDS Sponsored by the Department of Health and Human Services