Psychosocial issues in adults with transfusion-related HIV infection and their families

Clinical data on all non-hemophiliac adult cases of transfusion-induced HIV infection (TI-HIV) referred for treatment to the Infectious Disease Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1987 to 1989 (N = 20) provided an opportunity to investigate the social and psychological impact of transfusion-induced HIV-infection. The specific psychosocial issues presented by this population which relate to the circumstances of their infection (i.e., blood transfusions) include: coping with personal feelings of victimization, sadness, anger, and isolation; decision-making concerning medical treatment; and re-building trust in relationships with medical care professionals. Counseling interventions with this population are described.