AIDS and women: an international perspective

This article focuses on HIV infection, HIV problems that are female specific (in the biological, psychological, and sociological spheres), a national and international perspective on HIV infection, and the challenges facing women as "women at risk for HIV infection," including childbearing and childrearing. The article discusses HIV infection in females worldwide, high risk categories (including behaviors, groups, and physiological indicators), physiological parameters of HIV infection in females, and health care challenges throughout the world. The framework for AIDS assessment, risk reduction, and intervention in women is the same as for other major health problems. However, we must first know the female specific HIV risks and "HIV disease course" and incorporate that knowledge in our assessment and intervention strategies.