WOMEN WITH HIV DISEASE ATTENDING A LONDON CLINIC

Objective: To examine ethnic, relationship, health, and mental health factors for a cohort of women with HIV infection attending an inner Lo ndon clinic. Design and methods: Structured schedules were utilised to analyse ethnic group, family, and reproduction issues, mental and phy sical health for 100 women drawn consecutively from attenders at an in ner London HIV clinic Results: 51% of the women were non-ethnic minori ty groups and 49% were from ethnic groups. HIV testing was often as a result of symptoms or partner illness. One in five had disclosed their status to one person only or no one. Ethnic minority women were more likely to restrict disclosure. Forty seven per cent of the women had 1 00 children with more children reported in ethnic minority families; 2 8% of the children had been tested for HIV and five were confirmed HN positive; 9% of children were born after HIV diagnosis. Nineteen women reported one or more termination of pregnancy, the majority before HI V diagnosis. Three quarters had a partner of whom 56 knew the partner' s status. Women with HIV positive partners were more likely to have ch ildren. Women kept in ignorance of partner status were more likely to be ethnic minority women. Thirty two per cent had an AIDS diagnosis, d iagnosed mostly in the UK. Medical and counselling service uptake was high. Gynaecological problems were common (49% had one or more problem ) and 34% had at least one hospital admission. A wide range of counsel ling issues were recorded, with variations over time. Suicidal issues were relevant for 13% of women (69% ideation, 31% attempts). Significa nt life events were noted for many women with allied coping demands. C onclusions: There are a wide range of issues for women with HIV and sy stematic differences between ethnic and non-ethnic women and those wit h or without children.