AIDS: Women, Drugs and Social Care (Social Aspects of AIDS) - Softcover

Examines the circumstances, experiences and needs of HIV-positive people in Britain and Ireland, and particularly focuses on female drug-users and ex drug-users.

HIV-positive women were asked about their concepts of and feelings towards HIV-positive people in general, HIV-positive women and HIV-positive drug users; about their own experience of caring for someone and about the practical and emotional needs of the person cared for and the carer. The contributors have written up these interviews and discussions to provide insights into these issues. Considering public and professional perceptions of HIV and drugs, it was found that there were considerable regional variations depending upon local circumstances. Four chapters concern themselves with this regionalized recognition of the needs around women, drugs and HIV. Those professionals, voluntary workers and family members who had experience of working with HIV-positive women were able to draw upon that direct experience, but members of the general population who had no such contact had opinions and judgements more likely to be directly shaped by public images. A report of their opinions and feelings towards HIV and drugs is given, based on market research carried out in the South-East and Midlands.