Why woman partners of drug users will continue to be at high risk for HIV infection.

Women infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) via a sexual relationship with an infected drug using partner are the second largest group of women diagnosed with AIDS in this country. Since 1983, they have been the most rapidly growing subgroup of adults with AIDS, and the increase has been even more rapid among black and hispanic women. Because they are a diverse group and are not readily identified, women partners of drug users and their needs have been unknown to or neglected by service providers and programs that could help them avoid becoming infected. More complete understanding of their characteristics and needs can help in the development of sensitive educational, preventative, and therapeutic strategies to help slow the dramatically increasing burden of AIDS-related morbidity and mortality among them and their families.