Pia Arboleda, Marianna Balquiedra
Remedios AIDS Foundation

WOMEN AND HIV: MOST COMMON QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the concerns of female callers of the AIDS Hotline in order to develop gender-sensitive educational materials.

METHODS:

Calls from women were individually recorded in Hotline call reports. Data was tabulated and summarized.

RESULTS:

The top three main concerns of female callers are as follows: transmission modes; signs and symptoms of HIV/AIDS; and HIV antibody testing and personal risk assessment. Other concerns include reproductive rights, sharing sexual responsibility and pregnancy-related issues.

CONCLUSIONS:

Materials to be produced for this audience should continue to provide information on HIV/AIDS transmission and basic facts. Issues like discussing sex with their partners, the rights to refuse any kind of sex when they are afraid or unsure, options for pregnancy and making their own choices should be stressed.