We conducted this longitudinal qualitative study to gain in-depth understanding of HIV-infected women's experiences with antiretroviral (ARV) regimens, exploring from their perspective what medication taking was like for them and what it meant in the context of their everyday lives. We engaged 55 participants over a 2-year period in 10 narrative-eliciting interviews. From their medication stories, we were able to track a 2-year prospective pattern of self-reported adherence for each individual who was prescribed ARVs. In this article we focus on the medication experiences of a subsample of 14 women who persistently had difficulties taking ARVs as prescribed, detailing their descriptions and evaluations of pill taking. Results suggest that rather than judging themselves harshly for nonadherence, they perceived their at-odds pill taking to be personally meaningful and accomplished for good purpose. Their rationales provide insights for more nuanced, empowerment-based interventions for individuals who are vulnerable to ARV treatment failure.

Results of this study suggest that current policies do not effectively support health and well-being of single mothers enrolled in work-based welfare programs.

Welfare reform, enacted more than 5 years ago, created dramatic changes in the lives of single mothers living in poverty. The purpose of this study was to describe the lives of women who were unable to sustain involvement with work-based welfare. A multimethodological design and snowball sampling were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data from 31 urban women. Instruments were a demographic form, an interview guide, and the General Well-Being Schedule from the U.S. Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and entered into software to facilitate analysis. Thematic coding and narrative analysis were done. The study population had higher levels of severe and moderate distress than the reference standards for the general population. Barriers within the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) system and personal barriers were identified by the women. Policy changes that address these obstacles would serve as blueprints for achieving the Healthy People 2010 goals for the nation.

No abstract

The findings indicate the complex interplay of the socioeconomic environment, mental and physical health, and the well-being of families. The women's perceptions of the effects that welfare policy has had on them and their families indicate the need for a broader response to poverty than the largely economic response of work-based welfare.