HIV/AIDS in women, children and families in South Texas

Purpose of the Study: To characterize HIV/AIDS in a population of women, children and families in South Texas. Methods: Descriptive study based upon data collected on 265 families and 843 individuals both infected and affected by HIV/AIDS between the ages of birth and 45 years and older. These individuals received services at one of three sites in South Texas serving women, children, and families with HIV/AIDS between 1994-1997. Data was collected across the three sites using a standardized data collection tool. Variables collected included: date of birth, gender, number of children, ethnicity/race, payer insurance type, pregnancy status, education, income sources, sexual orientation, marital status, primary health care source, employment status, number of children, risk behaviors. Conclusion: The demographic, economic, familial, and behavioral characteristics of the South Texas regional population were contrasted across the three sites and against national trends. The population of women, children, and families receiving care is overwhelmingly Mexican-Origin Hispanic. Half of this population is comprised of children under the age of 13. The majority is unemployed and receiving some form of public assistance. Regionally, reported drug-use, needle sharing, and unprotected sex are consistent with observed national trends. However, there are significant differences in these patterns across sites These findings have important implications for health care delivery systems serving women, children, and families living with HIV/AIDS.