Antiretroviral therapy in adults.

In 1993, HIV became the leading cause of death among persons 25 to 44 years old (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 1995a). As the number of cases has increased, the disease has moved increasingly into minority populations, who, traditionally, have fewer financial resources. Rates of HIV infection among women, Blacks, and Hispanics have increased steadily since 1985. The incidence of AIDS has been higher among Black and Hispanic men than among White men (CDC, 1995b). In 1994, the rates for Black and Hispanic women were 16 and 7 times higher, respectively, than the rate for White women, with Black and Hispanic women accounting for 77% of the cases among women (CDC, 1995b, c). The U.S. health care system, already inadequate in addressing the needs of the medically indigent, is likely to become increasingly overwhelmed with the care of HIV-positive individuals. It is probable that nurse practitioners will play a key role in providing primary care for HlV. As a result, a thorough understanding of antiretroviral therapy will be critical to competent patient management.