title: Self-care management of anxiety and fear in HIV disease.
abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency and correlates of self-reported anxiety and fear and the self-care behaviors used to manage these symptoms. Data were collected in a convenience sample (N = 422) of HIV-positive subjects. Demographic and disease-related variables were compared for those who did and did not report anxiety and fear. Anxiety and fear were the most frequently reported symptoms (17.3%, n = 73). There were significant differences on gender, level of education, and the use of antiretroviral medications. Self-care behaviors (n = 212) for anxiety and fear were grouped into seven categories: using activities for distraction = 25%, talking to others = 21%, using alternative/complementary therapies = 18%, taking prescribed medications = 10%, using self-talk = 9%, using substances = 9%, and using avoidance behaviors = 7%. Anxiety and fear are commonly experienced by people with HIV/AIDS. Self-care strategies are imperative in the management of these clinical manifestations.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, USA.
authors.forename: Jeanne K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Kemppainen
authors.forename: William L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Holzemer
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nokes
authors.forename: Lucille Sanzero
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Eller
authors.forename: Inge B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Corless
authors.forename: Eli Haugen
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Bunch
authors.forename: Kenn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Kirksey
authors.forename: Brian K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Goodroad
authors.forename: Carmen J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Portillo
authors.forename: Fang-Yu
authors.initials: FY
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004522:Educational Status; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D014481:United States
chemical_list: D019380:Anti-HIV Agents