Life story of and depression in an HIV-positive pregnant Thai woman who was a former sex worker: case study.

We describe the life story of an HIV-positive pregnant Thai woman--part of a larger action research study--with a case study methodology. The participant was chosen because of her unique and complex life story involving HIV infection, pregnancy, and former sex work. Bua (pseudonym), interviewed five times during 2001-2002, was a former sex worker who got married and later became infected with HIV through a sexual relationship with a man other than her husband. The significant events in Bua's life are outlined chronologically, and the social and cultural dimensions contributing to her depression are described.