Abstract
Background: Women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may be at increased risk for certain gynecologic conditions, including some that may be more severe in the presence of HIV-induced immunosuppression. Methods: Participating sites for an observational project on the spectrum of HIV disease, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and selected health departments, provided information regarding gynecologic care practices as documented in medical records at 22 outpatient HIV-care facilities. These facilities served greater than 1,000 HIV-infected women in nine U.S. cities from January 1990 through October 1991. Results: Medical records at 14 (64%) sites routinely contained historical information on gynecologic infections and Pap smear results for new patients. Seven (32%) sites, accounting for 51% of HIV-infected women in the project, routinely provided annual pelvic examinations and Pap smears. Among 15 sites that did not provide gynecologic care, only six (40%) usually received records from gynecology care providers. Conclusions: For some women who receive medical attention for HIV infection, gynecologic care is not integrated with other health services, and may not be accessed. To provide HIV-infected women with optimal care, providers must maintain a high awareness of gender-specific conditions and integrate gynecologic services with other HIV care services.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.