Women with HIV: Living with symptoms

This exploratory study used a semistructured interview to describe women's experiences coping with HIV symptoms, their descriptors of their worst and best days, and their attempts to control symptoms. A convenience sample of 44 women, largely women of color; of lower socioeconomic status, unemployed, seeking treatment in one of six outpatient clinics in Los Angeles, were interviewed. Fatigue, the most frequently reported worst symptom was present in 98% of these women. Feeling physically sick and having negative mood were mentioned most often in descriptions of worst days; being active,feeling physically healthy, and having positive mood were descriptors of best days. Of the total, 59% used rest/sleep to control symptoms, and this often was used in conjunction with healthy diet The results of this study reveal aspects of women's day-today experiences with HIV-related symptoms.