Prevention of HIV infection in women

Abstract

The number of HIV-infected women in the United States has continued to rise. Although risk-reducing behaviors such as condom use, partner selection, partner reduction, and safe sex practices have been identified, women continue to engage in high-risk activities. Nurses need to offer testing for HIV infection to all women. Education programs directed at the transmission and prevention of HIV infection also are needed. This article describes nursing strategies designed to incorporate primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of HIV infection in women.

PIP: The incidence of HIV infection in US women is rising, with a disproportionate number of cases in racial/ethnic minorities and urban women. This increasing trend will soon place AIDS as one of the top 5 causes of death for women aged 25-44. Horizontal transmission of HIV occurs through the exchange of blood, semen, and vaginal/cervical secretions. High-risk activities for women include sharing needles during iv drug use or engaging in sexual intercourse with a man who shares needles, is bisexual, was born in sub=Sahara Africa or in a Caribbean country, or is HIV infected. Women can prevent HIV infection by condom use, careful partner selection, reducing the number of sexual partners, refusing to share needles, and eliminating risky sexual behavior (such as anal intercourse). Nurses can reduce the spread of HIV infection in women by following 3 strategies. Primary strategies help women increase their level of perceived risk, allow nurses to identify and assess high-risk women through screening, and educate women about the transmission and prevention of HIV. Secondary prevention includes early detection and education to prevent further transmission of the disease. Counseling and partner notification are important aspects of this strategy. Tertiary prevention is early medical and psychiatric intervention to help the women manage and live with the disease. Nursing strategies should incorporate all 3 level of prevention.