AIDS: the development of a gender appropriate research intervention

This study is part of an AIDS research-service project, implemented by a faculty member and graduate students from the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. It focuses on the last of the completed studies between 1993 and 1998. To access women-centered health care services in Washington, D.C., a four member team engaged in a gender-specific research intervention. Nine women with AIDS were hand picked and interviewed. The research team wanted the women with HIV/AIDS to have a forum in which to tell their stories, in their own words regarding their medical and social service needs. Anecdotal accounts from the researchers' journals provide descriptions for findings. Qualitative evaluation theories guided the development of the interview questions. This study explores demographic factors, method of contraction, symptoms, initial reactions, support systems, level of satisfaction and frustration with services, physical health-care needs, social service needs, including legal, housing, financial and mental health needs of women living with HIV/AIDS. The literature search reaffirmed the gender related disparities of services offered found by the team in the field. Recommendations for service providers are given.