Psychosocial responses to the threat of HIV exposure among people with bleeding disorders.
The findings of a state-wide needs assessment of people with bleeding disorders at risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are reported. The effects of the threat of HIV exposure on the psychosocial functioning of respondents is assessed. A total of 394 of 796 (49 percent) persons aged 14 years and older responded to a questionnaire. Psychological distress, marital distress, AIDS-related dating problems, and AIDS-related sexual problems were examined. Potential predictors were illness-related indicators, subjective assessments of sources and consequences of vulnerability to HIV, social sources of distress such as AIDS-related isolation and discrimination, and behaviors respondents engaged in to assess or reduce their risk of infection. The implications of these findings for service provision are discussed.
School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109.
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Wilson
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Wasserman
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000635:transmission*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological