AIDS caregiving and health among midlife and older women.

This study reports on analyses of survey data from 121 midlife and older women engaged in AIDS caregiving in Los Angeles and San Francisco. These data revealed that these women provided substantial support to persons living with HIV or AIDS (PWAs) despite other role commitments associated with family and work. Although the characteristics of these women differed according to their relationship to the PWA (mother, wife, sister, or friend), they tended to be similar with regard to both the amount of care provided and its impact on their health. The results indicated that the severity of the PWA's illness and the duration of caregiving were more consequential to health than were the hands-on tasks of caregiving.