Voices in the Background: HIV/AIDS among African American Women

Background:

African American women are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for 60% of all cases among women in the United States. During the last decade, HIV has remained the leading cause of death among African American women aged 25 -34 years. HIV/AIDS medications are very effective and offer women healthier lives, new strength and the ability to live longer. The present study used qualitative methods to explore, from HIV-positive women's perspectives, the relationship between perceived social support and HIV medication adherence.

Methods: Twenty participants ages 20 - 49 were recruited from an outpatient clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. Participants were instructed to journal three times a week for a two-week period, and for a minimum of 10 minutes regarding HIV medication adherence, social support, and life experiences living with HIV. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with all participants.

Results: Analysis of the journal entries indicated that journaling served as a “visual alarm clock” reminding women to take their medications. The perception of social support was just as important as the actual number of people available in the support system. Family was a source of social support. As well, women voiced experiences such as: discrimination, relationship turbulence, solitude, and inner turmoil.

Conclusions: Women who felt cared for were more likely to be adherent. Supportive facilitators of adherence included: spirituality, young children, and supportive family. One participant's voice captured the sentiment of these women, “the test is not the strength of the storm but the firmness of your foundation.”