Distress and coping among women with HIV infection: preliminary findings from a multiethnic sample.

In a multiethnic sample of 53 women with HIV/AIDS, nearly 40% reported clinically significant levels of depression symptomatology and anxiety. Compared to a nonpatient norm, distress levels were higher among the Latina, African-American, and white women who made up the HIV sample. Prayer and rediscovery of self were their most frequent coping responses, suggesting that clinicians working with HIV/AIDS populations not overlook the importance of spiritual faith and practices in adapting to HIV infection.