title: Potential predictors of information-seeking behavior by homosexual/bisexual (gay) men with a human immunodeficiency virus seropositive health status.
abstract: Seeking ways to improve their health, gay men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections living in San Francisco are developing information networks and patterns of self-care behavior. Drawing from a set of explanatory theories, this cross-sectional survey with retrospective elements examined patterns and potential predictors of information-seeking activity in a cohort or 162 HIV seropositive (HIV+) men, 60 of whom provided complete data sets. The study suggests that 1 year after becoming aware of an HIV+ health status, most patients have developed multifaceted information networks. The amount of tangible aid acquired from these networks and frequency of consultation is positively related to patterns of HIV self-care behaviors and "feeling calm" (p less than 0.01), suggesting that these variables may be important markers for the need of supportive-educative nursing care. Suggestions for nursing practice and research are also described.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353.
authors.forename: N C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Lovejoy
authors.forename: B N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Morgenroth
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Freeman
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Christianson
mesh_terms: D001727:Bisexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000523:psychology*; D015438:Health Behavior; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012495:San Francisco; D012648:Self Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires