The growing number of women being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS mandates the need
to focus attention on the special needs of this population. Although women
have many of the same devastating physical manifestations of HIV infection
as men do, they face unique psychological and social issues that influence
their ability to respond to their disease in the same ways. Women with HIV
/AIDS are disproportionally poor or minority women who lack resources to ma
intain their health. It is impossible to address HIV infection in women wit
hout considering such factors as poverty, discrimination, and gender role e
xpectations. This article uses a biopsychosocial framework to discuss a ran
ge of specific issues affecting the health and well-being of women with HIV
/AIDS.