title: Low-income HIV-infected women and the process of engaging in healthy behavior.
abstract: This cross-sectional multimethod study sought to examine the process of engaging in healthy behaviors, particularly related to stress management, in HIV-infected women with low incomes. Recruited from northeast Ohio, 42 women completed standardized research measures to assess healthy behaviors (via the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II) and the processes of change espoused by the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change; 8 of those women participated in individual semistructured interviews conducted at a later point in time to gain additional insight into the phenomenon. Participants were 25 to 60 years of age (mean 38.44 +/- 8.08) and most of the frequently reported healthy behaviors related to spiritual growth and interpersonal relations. Self-reevaluation was the process of change most frequently reported. Qualitative analysis revealed several processes women use to enhance the adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviors; some themes were adequately reflected by the Transtheoretical Model's Processes of Change, whereas a few emerged as processes not usually associated with the Transtheoretical Model. This study yielded useful preliminary information to further explore the adoption and maintenance of health-promoting behavior for HIV-infected women.
authors.affiliation: Kent State University College of Nursing, Kent, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Tracy A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: Brenda M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Mary Pat
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Joseph L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Fava
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009820:Ohio; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014930:Women / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*