As we enter the third decade of a devastating worldwide epidemic, much has been done to stem the flow of HIV/AIDS, in particular within North America and Western European urban centres. However, much is still needed in the developing world. In this study 153 people living with HIV/AIDS in Egypt were interviewed, along with their caregivers. Data were collected on demographics, burden and strain level of caregivers, as well as psychological, psychosocial and health needs. / Using a cross-sectional design, it was found that HIV infection had a negative psychosocial impact on both those infected with and affected by it. Perceived or actual stigma, discrimination, health needs and sexual health status added to this impact. It was also found that caregivers' burden and strain level was higher than a sample of caregivers of renal transplant patients and a sample of caregivers of stroke patients respectively. This suggests that provision of different forms of psychosocial support would help people living with HIV and their caregivers in Egypt cope with the negative impacts of the infection.

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