title: Illness cognition of HIV-infected mothers.
abstract: Despite the increasing prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in the female population the responses of women to their HIV-positive status and their resultant needs remain largely unexplored. This investigation explored the needs, choices, and decisions faced by 38 mothers since becoming HIV-positive. Participants were recruited from an infectious disease clinic in a large mid-Atlantic urban area. The results are based on data from taped, semistructured interviews with participants. Themes that emerged from these verbal reports illustrated that decisions and choices, uncertainty, their relationship to their children, and a renewed spirituality influenced the actions that they took in response to their HIV-positive status. Themes are discussed in relation to needs for further research and health-related interventions.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Regan-Kubinski
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sharts-Hopko
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012803:Sick Role