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Stress and anxiety are significant problems for individuals living with HIV. Mind-body therapies such as progressive muscle relaxation training and guided imagery (PMRT-GI) are effective in treating stress and anxiety in chronically ill persons. The purpose of this study was to identify key elements of an effective and culturally acceptable PMRT-GI intervention for economically disadvantaged persons with HIV. PMRT-GI was provided to 24 participants from African American, White, and Hispanic backgrounds. Using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, participants were interviewed about their experiences with PMRT-GI. Responses were tape-recorded, read, and reread; significant phrases and sentences were identified; meanings were formulated; and results were validated with participants. Five themes emerged: another world, feeling content, ease in muscle tension, one-on-one, and soft music. Background information and past experience with complementary and alternative methods were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is little data on female-to-female transmission of HIV. Some women who have sex with women (WSW) have other high-risk behaviors that could lead to HIV infection. The belief that WSW are at no risk may lead to unsafe sexual practices. In this study, a convenience sample of 78 women was surveyed in order to explore the perception of HIV risk among lesbians, their sexual behaviors, and their sources of information about safer sex. Fifty-three percent reported they were at low risk for contracting HIV. Women reported knowledge of barrier methods (89% to 99%) and no sex during menstruation (92%). However, 35% to 40% reported no knowledge of less common safer sex practices. Women reported their source of knowledge as media (36%), workshops (22%), and friends (12%). Eighty-five percent stated that their health care provider knew they were lesbian, but only 15% reported receiving safer sex education. Nurses and nurse practitioners are aptly poised to provide critical HIV education and health care for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine how violence co-occurs with drug use and HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors among women incarcerated for drug use. This study was a supplement to a larger, experimental study designed to reduce HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors among incarcerated female drug users. The women who participated (N = 170) reported that violence was a major part of their lives and affected many of their behaviors. Among these 170 women, 26.6% used condoms for oral sex, 46.4% for vaginal intercourse, and 65% were either sexually or physically abused. Intimate partner abuse was reported by 33.9% of the women. About 16% reported forced sexual activity; and 17.5% feared their partners. Women who refused to give oral sex to their male partners and those who insisted on condom use during oral sex prior to jail were more likely to be sexually or physically abused (chi square = 4.104; chi square = 3.886, p < .05, respectively). Although statistically significant interrelationships were not found among the three variables, signficant bivariate relationships were found between intimate violence and HIV/AIDS high-risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]