Table 1.
Baseline Characteristics and Behaviors (Past 3 Months) of HIV-infected Homeless and Unstably Housed Women (n = 129) Living in San Francisco, California, 2002–2008
| Median | % | |
| Socioeconomic | ||
| Age, years | 44 | |
| Graduated from high school | 40 | |
| Race | ||
| African American | 52 | |
| Caucasian | 29 | |
| Latina | 5 | |
| Other | 14 | |
| Minor children living at home | 7 | |
| Overnight jail/prison stay | 7 | |
| Slept on the street or in a homeless shelter | 20 | |
| Employed | 5 | |
| Any income from SSI or SSDI | 80 | |
| Monthly income, $ | 812 | |
| Drug and alcohol use (past 3 months) | ||
| Crack cocaine | 33 | |
| Heroin | 15 | |
| Methamphetamine | 1 | |
| Cocaine withdrawal | 3 | |
| Heavy alcohol use (>1 drink/day) | 14 | |
| Alcohol withdrawal | 1 | |
| Subsistence needs and social support (past 3 months) | ||
| Difficulty meeting basic subsistence needsa | 25 | |
| At least one close friend/confidant | 69 | |
| No sources of instrumental support | 20 | |
| Health | ||
| CD4 cell count, cells/μL | 385 | |
| Viral load, copies/mL | 1,105 | |
| Taking antiretroviral therapy | 52 | |
| >90% adherence (among those taking ART) | 31 | |
| Any chronic health conditionb | 57 | |
| Physical health composite scorec | 41/100 | |
| Mental health composite scorec | 42/100 | |
| Any gynecologic symptomsd | 43 |
Abbreviations: ART, antiretroviral therapy; HIV, human immunodeficiency virus; SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance; SSI, Supplemental Security Income.
a
Access to a bathroom, sufficient food, clothing, or a place to sleep.
b
Asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or emphysema.
c
General population median = 50/100.
d
Abnormal vaginal discharge, severe pelvic pain, burning during urination/blood in the urine, skipped period, abnormally heavy periods, or new warts, sores, or lumps on the genitals.