title: Coming out: an overlooked concept.
abstract: WITH CURRENT TRENDS in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) early intervention moving more toward primary care, more and more advanced practice nurses (APNs) are providing primary care to people with HIV. Because almost half of new cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome continue to have homosexual or bisexual contact as a risk factor, the APN must be prepared to address the processes that are specific to the psychosocial development of homosexual persons. The most universal of these is coming out. Coming out is a stress-inducing process that can be magnified when combined with HIV infection. Moreover, with growing recognition of the presence and needs of gay and lesbian clients in the health care system, this challenge of helping people cope with the transitions of coming out extends beyond HIV care, from adolescence through old age.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Saddul
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D018939:Holistic Nursing; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009720:Nurse Clinicians; D012650:Self Disclosure