Perceptions and health care needs of HIV-Positive mothers in India.
BACKGROUND
An estimated 2.5 million Indians live with HIV/AIDS. Spread primarily through heterosexual contact, the epidemic is shifting toward women, 29% of whom are currently infected, with still more cases going unreported. As the primary caregivers for their families, women face many challenges when it comes to accessing care; these include dealing with discrimination from family, community, and health care providers, and a general lack of education, social support, and nutrition guidance and sustenance.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences of a group of HIV-positive mothers living in India to learn about the challenges they face in terms of assessing health care services, dealing with mental health stressors, and giving them a voice in designing the structure of a culturally sensitive and tailored intervention for women like themselves.


METHODS
This study used a qualitative approach using focus groups consisting of a convenience sample of 60 HIV-infected mothers recruited from a large maternity hospital and sexually transmitted disease clinic in Chennai, India. Using a semi-structured interview guide, information was solicited from participants and qualitative content analysis conducted to determine common themes discussed among the groups.


RESULTS
Participants described challenges they face on a day-to-day basis, living with HIV and factors that prevent or help them to seek, obtain, and maintain care. The women also provided recommendations for future intervention plans, to include counseling, nutritional support, psychological support, and educational services for women living with HIV.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings of this study provided a rich backdrop upon which a community-based AIDS program for HIV-positive mothers in India can now be designed.
Nyamathi
Adeline
A
University of California, Los Angeles-- School of Nursing, CA, USA.
Thomas
Beena
B
Greengold
Barbara
B
Swaminathan
Soumya
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D008427:Maternal Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers; D011247:Pregnancy; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014932:Women's Health Services; D055815:Young Adult