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Trained interviewers recruited and interviewed a nonprobability sample of HIV-positive women from outpatient clinics and scatter site housing in New York City. Hispanic Black (n = 37) and non-Hispanic Black (n = 106) women reported high rates of HIV disclosure to family, friends, and lovers; few ethnic differences were noted. Bivariate analyses revealed disclosure was related to greater frequency of HIV-related social support, although not directly to less depressive symptomatology (CES-D) or mood disturbance (POMS-TMD) scores. Additionally, disclosure rates were positively associated with the use of more adaptive coping strategies (i.e., spiritual resilience, constructive cognitions, and community involvement). Multiple regression analyses indicated satisfaction with social support mediated the relationship between adaptive coping and psychological distress. The discussion considers HIV disclosure within the constellation of processes leading to successful adaptation to HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seropositive injecting drug users (n = 135) participating in methadone maintenance treatment were assessed for HIV treatment behaviors, psychosocial adjustment, and HIV- and medication-specific attitudes and beliefs. Acceptance was associated with greater beliefs in zidovudine (ZDV) efficacy and ZDV as a source of control and hope. Higher ZDV control/hope beliefs were associated with both higher adherence and longer treatment duration. Lower adherence was associated with symptomatic disease stage, and alcohol/drug coping. Female gender and public assistance were associated with shorter duration of treatment. ZDV side effects and distrust of government HIV policy and HIV medications were not uncommon, but were not clearly associated with treatment behaviors. The results suggest that viewing HIV treatment as a source of control and hope may function as a motivator of treatment behaviors. This and other HIV-specific beliefs, gender issues, disease status, and psychosocial adjustment are important areas for further intervention and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An exploratory study was conducted with 27 injecting drug users (IDUs) on psychosocial factors (stress, coping reactions, and attitudes toward HIV illness and treatment) which are relevant to treatment acceptance and adherence. A semi-structured interview was used to collect qualitative data in a sample of 13 seropositive and 14 seronegative subjects. The results indicated a range of HlV-specific stressors such as social stigma, uncertainty about the future, disclosure of seropositive status, and monitoring of HIV illness. Seeking of social support, relapse to substance abuse, and mental disengagement were the most common coping reactions reported by the sample; there was a lack of behavioral, problem-focused responses. The study also provided descriptive information on attitudes toward HIV treatment, including fatalism, optimism (hope and control), and ambivalence regarding treatment efficacy. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents abstracts of articles on dentistry. Implications of hepatitis on dental care; Prevalence of burning mouth syndrome; Evidence on the determinants of tooth position.