Caregiver burden and coping strategies used by informal caregivers of minority women living with HIV/AIDS.

The incidence of HIV/AIDS among minority women has been reported in record numbers in inner cities. In considering the shift toward community-based care, these minority women living with HIV/AIDS (MWLWHA) are receiving care from informal caregivers in their communities. As caregivers strive to meet the needs of these women, understanding the impact on these caregivers of providing support is critical. In this qualitative study, caregiver burden and coping strategies used by informal caregivers of minority women living with HIV/AIDS were studied. Thirty-one caregivers were interviewed. Data analyses included the constant comparative method consistent with the grounded theory approach. Two caregiver groups emerged, male companion and relative/girlfriend caregivers. All caregivers reported the emotional burden of not revealing the HIV/AIDS diagnoses. Relative/girlfriend caregivers had similar burdens related to the children of the women; their social networks, health and finances. Maintaining a physical exercise regimen and a spiritual focus were coping strategies use by all caregivers. Implications and recommendations are discussed.

Caregiver characteristics and types of assistance provided by caregivers to minority women living with HIV/AIDS.

The incidence of HIV/AIDS has escalated among African American and Hispanic women in the United States and particularly in urban centers such as New York City. As a chronic illness, it is important to understand to whom minority women living with HIV/AIDS turn to for assistance and support. The purpose of this exploratory qualitative study was to identify the characteristics of informal caregivers and the types of assistance that they provide to minority women living with the HIV virus. Thirty one caregivers were interviewed using semi-structured and opened ended questions. Data analyses included the constant comparative method consistent with the grounded theory approach. A topology of two caregiver groups were identified, male companions and relative/girlfriend caregivers. Caregiving activities are described within each group in the areas of emotional support, child care, personal advisement, social welfare and financial assistance. Implications for practice and recommendations for further study are discussed.

The epidemiology of adolescent drug use in France and Israel.

Based on samples of adolescents residing in urban areas in France and in Israel, cross-cultural comparisons of adolescent use of alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and illicit drugs are reported. Lifetime and current prevalences of use of all substances are higher in France than in Israel. The relative ranking of the prevalence of use of the various drugs is identical in the two countries, and is similar to that found in American samples. In both countries, drug use is more prevalent among males than females, and among older than younger adolescents. There are no differences among different socioeconomic groups. Religiosity affects the rates of use of all drugs in France, and the rates of non-alcoholic substances and the amounts of alcoholic beverages consumed in Israel. Differences in the prevalence of substance use across cultures and within a culture decrease as overall prevalence of use increases.