Introduction

Women comprise the fastest growing group of persons with AIDS. Though effective in reducing the amount of circulating HIV virus and increasing the CD4 lymphocyte count, antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens are complex and have numerous side effects. Near perfect adherence is required to obtain and maintain the effects, but because of regimen complexities and side effects it is difficult to achieve, particularly for women who may be caretakers for HIV+ partners and children. As women on ART begin to feel better, and resume normal activities, including sexual activities, they are expected to adhere to ART and risk reduction behaviors (RRB). Reports of poor adherence to ART are common and those related to RRB are emerging. The long-term goal of this research project is to develop nursing interventions to promote adherence to both ART and RRB in HIV+ women.