Needs assessment of caregivers of people with HIV/AIDS.

This descriptive study assessed 34 caregivers of people with HIV/AIDS to learn their perceived needs, concerns, and use of services. Results indicated the most common health problems of the care recipient were fatigue and weight loss; care recipients needed help with climbing stairs, walking, and bathing; caregivers helped with the household chores, transportation, and companionship; caregivers were concerned about coping with loss and responsibilities; caregivers had help from family, case manager, and neighbor; caregivers wanted help such as a companion and counseling. Discussion relates to the implications of the study for health care professionals.

Women living with the human immunodeficiency virus: home-care needs.

Strategies for dealing with the complex nursing care needs of women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease are discussed. Using the experiences of the authors' clinical practices and nursing situations described in the literature, the physical, psychosocial, and behavioral issues surrounding the needs of women with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are explored. The authors seek to delineate successful nursing interventions for the woman living with AIDS.

Common ground: the nurse's role in caring for terminally ill patients with cancer or human immunodeficiency virus disease.

Strategies for coping with the inherent stressors of caring for the terminally ill are suggested, based on the authors' collective experiences caring for the terminally ill and current experiences working with those affected by human immunodeficiency virus disease.

AIDS course: a university elective.

Developing and teaching a nonnursing elective on AIDS is both challenging and rewarding. We encourage nursing faculty elsewhere to teach an AIDS course for university students on their campus.