Deficits of socioeconomic, social and psychological support of HIV-infected women in Germany

Despite increasing numbers of heterosexually transmitted HIV-infected women and high numbers of female i.v.-drug users within HIV-infected population the subject of HIV-infection in women has been of low interest during the p ast years in Germany. This prospective study investigated the economic, soc ial and psychological situation with regard to the special situation of thi s group. While there was no difference in clinical parameters we found a wo rse economic situation of HIV-positivity in women. Concerning the psychosoc ial situation there were few differences, but HIV-infected women sought hel p by voluntary workers more often. Specific education and socioeconomic sup port of HIV-infected women are conditions for the success of antiretroviral therapy of HIV-infection which has recently become more demanding and comp lex.