Attitudes Toward Antiretroviral Therapy Among African American Women

Authors

Donna L. Richter, Norman J. Arnold School of Public HealthFollow
Richard Sowell, Kennesaw State UniversityFollow
Delores M. Pluto, University of South CarolinaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2002

Abstract

Objective: To examine attitudes and beliefs of African American women of childbearing age, living with HIV, about pregnancy and antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: Focus groups were conducted using an exploratory design with a convenience sample of HIV-infected women in 2 southeastern cities.

Results: Thirty-three African American women of child-bearing age participated in 5 focus groups. Attitudes and beliefs about antiretroviral therapy were related to the women's willingness to comply with treatment.

Conclusion: The challenge for health care providers is to counter women's willingness to “play the odds“ of having a noninfected baby without taking antiretrovirals.