Heterosexual couples confronting the challenges of HIV infection.

Couples confronted with HIV infection face significant challenges. Little is known about the impact of HIV on heterosexual couples who account for the vast majority of cases worldwide and an increasing proportion of cases in the USA, especially among women. In this study, analysis of data collected on HIV-discordant couples participating in a ten-week support group revealed four major groups of issues: (1) dealing with the emotional and sexual impact on the relationship; (2) confronting reproductive decisions; (3) planning for the future of children and the surviving partner; and (4) disclosure of the HIV infection to friends and family. These findings have implications for the design of interventions to enhance adaptation to HIV for discordant couples.

Reproductive behavior in HIV-discordant heterosexual couples: implications for counseling.

The development of effective behavioral interventions is critical to controlling the HIV epidemic. Although heterosexual transmission accounts for a growing proportion of new infections in the United States, little is known about factors that influence sexual behavior in HIV-discordant heterosexual couples. The objective of this study was to examine the reproductive behaviors of HIV-discordant heterosexual couples. Data were obtained on 71 discordant couples enrolled in a study of HIV heterosexual transmission. Results showed that women in such couples have pregnancy rates similar to those of women of reproductive age in the general population. One seroconversion occurred as a result of pregnancy attempt. These results suggest the need for educational efforts directed at HIV-discordant heterosexual couples.