Psychosocial problems and coping patterns of HIV seropositive wives of men with HIV/AIDS

The sociocultural milieu provides HIV positive women with fewer resources and more role responsibilities. The present research aimed at studying the psychosocial problems encountered in living, post HIV infection, and the coping patterns adopted by HIV seropositive wives of men with HIV/AIDS. In the background of an exploratory research design, thirty (n = 30) HIV positive women, attending Counseling Clinics in Bangalore (South India), selected through purposive sampling, were assessed using an interview schedule and a standardized coping scale. Majority of the respondents were the primary caregivers for their infected spouse and/or children. Content analysis of the problems revealed increased financial difficulties; problems in child care and support; compromised help-seeking due to stigma; problems in sexual interactions and communication in their marital relationship; role strain in caregiving; gender discriminatory and inadequate care; and increased concerns about parenting efficacy, post HIV infection. Escape avoidance was the most preferred coping strategy adopted by them. Situating the illness in a socio-familial context is indicated, and implications for social work and mental health practice follow from the findings.