title: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Stressful Life Events Among Rural Women With HIV Disease.
abstract: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stressful life events are frequent and distressing problems for women living with HIV (WLWH). Studies have independently focused on the impact of these problems, but little work has examined the relationship between PTSD and stressful life events. Our cross-sectional study examined relationships between PTSD and recent stressful life events in WLWH. A sample of 60 women recruited through HIV community agencies in southeastern North Carolina completed the Stressful Life Events Questionnaire and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C). PTSD prevalence was high (43.2%). Two-thirds (66%) reported three or more recent life stressors. Women who experienced a higher number of recent life stressors scored higher on the PCL-C than those with fewer life stressors (p < .001). Recent stressful life events may accelerate PTSD symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues in HIV treatment settings. Implications for nursing practice are provided.
authors.forename: Jeanne K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kemppainen
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: MacKain
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Morgan Parks
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Jackson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: HIV; events; posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); stressful life; women