PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN ADULTS WITH TRANSFUSION-RELATED HIV-INFECTION AND THEIR FAMILIES

Clinical data on all non-hemophiliac adult cases of transfusion-induce d HIV infection (TI-HIV) referred for treatment to the Infectious Dise ase Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1987 to 1989 (N = 20) provided an opportunity to investigate the social and ps ychological impact of transfusion-induced HIV-infection. The specific psychosocial issues presented by this population which relate to the c ircumstances of their infection (i.e., blood transfusions) include: co ping with personal feelings of victimization, sadness, anger, and isol ation; decision-making concerning medical treatment; and re-building t rust in relationships with medical care professionals. Counseling inte rventions with this population are described.