Women with HIV: living with symptoms

Abstract

This exploratory study used a semistructured interview to describe women's experiences coping with HIV-symptoms, their descriptors of their worst and best days, and their attempts to control symptoms. A convenience sample of 44 women, largely women of color, of lower socioeconomic status, unemployed, seeking treatment in one of six outpatient clinics in Los Angeles, were interviewed. Fatigue, the most frequently reported worst symptom, was present in 98% of these women. Feeling physically sick and having negative mood were mentioned most often in descriptions of worst days; being active, feeling physically healthy, and having positive mood were descriptors of best days. Of the total, 59% used rest/sleep to control symptoms, and this often was used in conjunction with healthy diet. The results of this study reveal aspects of women's day-to-day experiences with HIV-related symptoms.