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The aim of the study was a prospective assessment of the possible consequences of a diagnosis of lipodystrophy on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and depressive symptomatology in HIV-seropositive men who have sex with men. A standardized physical assessment for lipodystrophy was introduced within a prospective study in April 1999. Over a 2-year follow-up, 37 HIV-seropositive men who met the criteria for lipodystrophy were longitudinally compared to 92 HIV-seropositive men without lipodystrophy and 88 HIV-seronegative men on measures of HRQL and depression. A series of questionnaires, which included the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 36 (SF-36) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D), were administered to assess HRQL and depression, respectively. SF-36 scores were summarized using the mental and physical components; CES-D results were reported as both dichotomous (with or with clinical depression) and continuous scores. Neither the mental nor physical components of the SF-36 showed any significant differences between patients with lipodystrophy versus HIV-seropositive patients without lipodystrophy. Similarly, lipodystrophy status was not significantly associated with either continuous depression scores or presence of clinical depression. However, consistent with previous results, HIV-seropositive men without lipodystrophy (compared to HIV-seronegative men) reported higher scores on both components of the SF-36 scales and both categorizations of the CES-D. The results of this study suggest that lipodystrophy does not negatively affect HRQL or depression, above and beyond, the diagnosis of HIV infection, although the impact of the severity of lipodystrophy on these conditions will require further study.

This article describes changing definitions and models of harm reduction along with their practice applications. This article then provides an overview of harm reduction strategies for methamphetamine-using gay men and will conclude with suggestions for psychotherapists and clinicians who are, or who will be, working with this population. KEYWORDS. AIDS, bisexual men, crystal meth, gay men, harm reduction, HIV, homosexuality, men having sex with men (MSM), methamphetamine substance abuse

Methamphetamine addiction in men having sex with men (MSM) represents a particular challenge to the clinician. It requires attention both to the fundamental skills the client needs to acquire in order to attain abstinence, and to the client's level of motivation to change his behavior. What follows is a brief review of the state of the art of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addictions in general, and for crystal meth specifically. Much of the material presented here is not specific to treatment of crystal meth addiction in gay men; however, there are some aspects of treatment that are specific to treating crystal problems in MSM that are highlighted throughout this paper. This paper goes on to present the rationale and basic strategies encompassed by both motivation enhancement and skills-based treatment approaches. KEYWORDS. Addiction, cognitive-behavioral therapy, crystal methamphetamine, gay men, homosexuality, men having sex with men, motivation enhancement, motivation interviewing, skills-based treatment

There is a growing need for treatment services that specifically target methamphetamine for gay and bisexual men. There may be significant barriers for the client in engaging in a treatment program, including thought disturbances and paranoia. A high level of ambivalence in spite of extreme adverse consequences from use is also relatively common among those presenting for treatment. Many people do recover if they are willing to commit to a structured treatment plan. Models of treatment that have been shown to be successful include motivational interviewing (MI), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and community reinforcement with contingency management. The Matrix Model was developed specifically for stimulant use disorders and includes many of these components as well as 12-step facilitation. Although it has been suggested that methamphetamine dependence may be more difficult to treat than other drug use dependence, empirical evidence suggests that success for methamphetamine treatment has not been shown to be different than for other stimulants, such as cocaine. KEYWORDS. Bisexual men, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), gay men, homosexuality, matrix model, men who have sex with men (MSM), methamphetamine, motivational interviewing (MI), substance abuse treatment

This paper describes crystal methamphetamine (crystal) use and sexual risk behaviors for two web-based surveys of men who have sex with men (MSM). The subjects were recruited online. Crystal use was associated with young age, having a greater number of sex partners, having unprotected anal intercourse (UAI), having a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and being HIV-positive. Significant regional differences were seen in the prevalence of crystal use. Findings are discussed in relation to the need to integrate messages about the relationship between drug use and sexual behavior into HIV prevention programs. KEYWORDS. AIDS, crystal, gay, HIV, HIV prevention, homosexuality, Internet research, men who have sex with men (MSM), methamphetamine, STI, substance use, unprotected anal intercourse (UAI)

The purpose of this ethnographic study was to conduct an exploratory research investigation examining the phenomenon of barebacking among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) on the Internet. The researchers selected a case sample of 100 MSM advertisers on an Internet bareback sex site to assess HIV transmission risk as related to HIV serostatus, partner selection, and sexual risk-taking. The data suggest that while intentionally seeking to transmit or contract HIV was extremely rare, a small proportion of advertisers appeared to be relatively indifferent to HIV transmission. However, the great majority of advertisers for bareback sex appeared to practice 'sero-sorting' or seroconcordant behavior by HIV status with potential sexual partners as a strategy to minimize HIV transmission risk. KEYWORDS. AIDS, anal sex, barebacking, bisexual men, gay men, HIV, homosexuality, Internet, men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM), safer sex, seroconcordant, serodiscordant, sero-sorting, STI

HIV prevention programs and clinicians have a need to identify clients' attitudes toward unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). This study reports on the development of the Unprotected Anal Intercourse Attitudes Inventory (UAI-AI), a multi-factorial measure designed to assess gay and bisexual men who are HIV-negative or untested. This self-report measure may be useful in helping both counselors and clients discuss the complex psychosocial issues that can be associated with UAI and safer sex. Factors identified include Anger/Self-Destructiveness/Fatalism, Pleasure Seeking/Risk-Taking/Escapism, Intimacy Needs/Rational Choice Making, Erroneous Perception of Risk, and Condom Related Erectile Dysfunction. Based on their work with hundreds of clients at TalkSafe, a NYC prevention program for HIV-negative gay and bisexual men, the authors suggest clinical guidelines for counseling these populations. KEYWORDS. AIDS, anal intercourse, barebacking, gay and bisexual men, high-risk sexual behavior, HIV-negative MSM, homosexuality, safer sex, STI, Unprotected Anal Intercourse Attitudes Inventory

Some have raised concern that male sex workers (MSWs) serve as 'vectors of transmission' of HIV into the heterosexual community. Research on MSWs, however, has found that these men report unsafe sex more often with casual partners than with clients. In the mid-1990s, two new phenomena emerged: the Internet, providing a new way for MSWs to meet clients, and barebacking or intentional anal sex without condoms. Using qualitative and quantitative methods in an effort to understand the impact of these phenomena, this study sought to explore intentions for unsafe sex among MSWs who reach clients through the Internet. Findings suggest that most MSWs do not intentionally seek out sex without condoms or engage in barebacking. This does not denote the complete absence of sexual risk behaviors, particularly with casual partners as found in previous research. Interview data suggest that these men may be employing harm reduction strategies such as partner characteristics and sex role positioning in their decision making processes. These findings can be helpful to service providers who currently or plan to provide intervention services to members of this population. KEYWORDS. AIDS, anal sex, barebacking, condoms, gay men, harm reduction, HIV, homosexuality, male sex workers, MSW, prostitution, safer sex, sex workers, STI

The author's image of his body as small and weak was formed as a child but has remained with him although he is no longer physically weak. At times of emotional stress, he is susceptible to poor body image. A radical prostatectomy done after being diagnosed with prostate cancer eliminated the reliability of the author's erections and gravely affected his identity. In his recovery from surgery, the author realized that having reliable erections, not as a condition to sexual pleasure but simply having them, was a part of his identity. In the aftermath of cancer and major surgery, he doubts that his body will appear appealing to other gay men. In light of the after-effects of radical prostatectomy, and in consideration of intimations of mortality, he worries that he will not be loved. KEYWORDS. Body image, coming out, depression, erections, external identity, gay men, identity, internal identity, prostate cancer, prostatectomy

Although, the diagnosis of prostate cancer is devastating, the disease is highly treatable. Treatment, however, does have side effects that can drastically affect sexual function-both from a physiologic and psychological standpoint. This problem can be particularly difficult for gay men to deal with as many are too afraid or embarrassed to discuss altered sexual function with their physicians and sexual partners. Physicians may incorrectly assume that an unmarried male patient is not sexually active when he may, in fact, be very sexually active. Sexual dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment can include impotence or a weak erection, failure to ejaculate and anal discomfort. Radiation therapy may produce impotence that is of gradual onset often beginning after treatment has terminated. Surgery can produce impotence immediately after the operation that can gradually improve over time. External beam radiation can also affect a gay man's ability to have anal sex because of bleeding, diarrhea and discomfort. Younger men, men with less extensive prostate cancer and those who have had an active sex life before developing prostate cancer are less likely to experience difficulties with sexual function after cancer treatment. This article discusses treatment options for sexual dysfunction including medication, sexual aids, and surgery to restore erections. Communication between sexual partners and physicians is also crucial for dealing with alterations of sexual function. Sex with another man did not cause the prostate cancer and it will not cause it to return. KEYWORDS. Anal sex, cancer, ejaculation, erection, gay, homosexuality, impotence, leuprolide, masturbation, potency, proctitis, prostate gland, prostatectomy, radiation therapy, semen, sex, sexual function, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil

A middle-aged gay man describes his experience and that of his partner in facing the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The author describes his reactions to various urologists and support groups. The author offers a candid look at the sexual and psychological issues he and his partner faced when dealing with prostate cancer and the side effects of its treatment. The paper highlights the importance of patient involvement in treatment. KEYWORDS. Biopsy, gay couple, homosexuality, impotence, libido, lycopene, prostate cancer, PSA, seed implants (brachytherapy), sexuality, side effects, sildenafil, support group, urologist

The author, a gay man diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 48, describes his experience deciding on a course of treatment and coping with sexual dysfunction following a prostatectomy. His experience was made more difficult by ignorance in the medical community, the straight community and the gay community. Frustrated by the absence of a source of fully accepting and understanding support, he started his own support group for gay men with prostate cancer. KEYWORDS. Dry orgasm, erectile dysfunction, gay community, gay support group, prostate cancer, prostatectomy, sexual dysfunction, support group

This is an overview of the causes, screening guidelines and treatments for prostate cancer. The paper also highlights issues of particular concern to gay men including the potential effect of testosterone supplements, HIV status, anal sex and its impact on PSA testing, and the potential change in sexual response during anal sex resulting from the removal of the prostate. Issues of doctor-patient communication as they specifically relate to the gay prostate cancer patient are explored. KEYWORDS. AIDS, anabolic steroids, anal sex, cancer, diet, erectile dysfunction, finasteride, gay, gay couples, gay relationships, HIV, homosexuality, impotence, incontinence, informed consent, prostate, prostatectomy, PSA testing, testosterone

This is a personal account of a 33-year-old gay man's discovery of his prostate cancer, its treatment, his recovery and the effect it had on his life. The paper underscores the importance of physician-patient communication, informed consent for patients, and involving the patient's partner when treating prostate cancer. In addition to dealing with incontinence and post-operative depression, the author recounts the many steps he undertook to treat erectile dysfunction as well as the difficulties that caused for him and in the relationship with his partner of twelve years. KEYWORDS. Alprostadil, cancer, depression, erectile dysfunction, gay, gay couples, homosexuality, imipramine, impotence, incontinence, informed consent, prostate, prostatectomy, sildenafil, gay relationships

A gay man is first diagnosed with prostate cancer at age 84. The cancer is aggressive and requires treatment. He struggles with the choice of treatment. Surgery is inadvisable because the cancer has already advanced beyond the capsule, and surgery raises the danger of possible metastasis. Preservation of erectile potency is ruled out as a cause of concern, since he is no longer sexually potent. Due to the lack of knowledge and experience (as opposed to present-day advances) radiation, in its form at that time, is ruled out. There was danger of radiation burns to adjacent healthy tissue. Chemotherapy was not recommended to him at that time. Patient settled on hormone therapy, deciding that he could manage the consequences of hormonal castration, even though his doctors never discussed his homosexual lifestyle with him. This oversight seemed less important at the time, because the patient was already impotent. Patient's overriding concern was with the formation of a living situation or home with another man, for the remainder of his life. KEYWORDS. Age and cancer, gay sex life, homosexuality, hormonal therapy, impotence, prostate cancer, treatment choices, treatment consequences

Describing himself as a physically fit and sexually-active African-American gay man of mature years, and having survived more than a decade of being HIV-positive, the author writes about being faced with another significant and completely new challenge to his health and quality of life: prostate cancer. He describes his choice of treatment and road to recovery in the context of his own personal philosophy of life. KEYWORDS. Assertive self care, African American men, gay, erection, HIV+, libido, men of color, prostate cancer, sex-positive, testosterone

Prostate cancer treatment should run along two parallel tracks: (1) reducing the biological threat of the disease and (2) reducing the psychological symptoms which ensue from internalizing the diagnosis and undergoing physical treatment. Many patients diagnosed with prostate cancer report symptoms of both depression and anxiety. Using examples from his psychotherapy practice, the author depicts and offers treatment strategies for the psychological reactions to diagnosis, treatment, and the consequences of treatment as they affect the gay man struggling with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer in gay men often intersects with the social issues of minority status, discrimination and stigmatization. As gay men navigate the heterosexually biased world of prostate cancer treatment, they must also confront potential problems of stigmatization, including scarring, ejaculation problems, erectile dysfunction, and HIV/AIDS envy. The author stresses the need for gay oriented programs and gender bias free materials as both appropriate and empowering to the community of all prostate cancer patients and their families. KEYWORDS. AIDS, antihomosexual bias, anxiety, depression, ejaculation, gay, heterosexism, HIV, homophobia, homosexuality, impotence, incontinence, prostate cancer, psychosocial support, psychotherapy, scarring, stigma, support groups

The aim of this research was to explore the behavioral patterns and dynamics that may increase vulnerability towards HIV transmission among young men who have been sexually molested as children and who have sexual relations with men. In recent years, researchers have found that a larger number of gay or bisexual men have been sexually abused as children than other men. In this study, we wanted to explore the possible links between sexual victimization of young men and risky sexual behaviors related to HIV transmission among these men. KEYWORDS. HIV transmission, risk behavior, male victims, sexual abuse, homosexuality

The number of gay men who tested positive for the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic was actually greater than the number who tested positive for HIV. Between 26% and 30% tested positive in 1978, 1985, and 1996. The corresponding figures for HIV-seropositivity were 7% in 1978, 49% in 1985, and 17% in 1993., Context: Some studies have inferred that an epidemic of Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection in homosexual men in the United States occurred concurrently with that of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but there have been no direct measurements of KSHV prevalence at the beginning of the HIV epidemic. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of KSHV infection in homosexual men in San Francisco, Calif, at the beginning of the HIV epidemic in 1978 and 1979 and to examine changes in prevalence of KSHV at time points from 1978 through 1996 in light of changes in sexual behavior. Design, Setting, and Participants: Analysis of a clinic-based sample (n = 398) derived from the San Francisco City Clinic Cohort (ages 18-66 years) (n = 2666 for analyses herein) and from population-based samples from the San Francisco Men's Health Study (MHS) (ages 25-54 years) (n = 825 and 252) and the San Francisco Young Men's Health Study (YMHS) (ages 18-29 years) (n= 428-976, and 557); behavioral studies were longitudinal and KSHV prevalence studies were cross-sectional. Main Outcome Measures: Antibodies against KSHV and HIV; sexual behaviors. Results: The prevalence of KSHV infection in 1978 and 1979 was 26.5% of 235 (a random sample) overall (weighted for HIV infection) vs 6.9% (128/1842) for HIV in the San Francisco City Clinic Cohort sample. The prevalence of KSHV infection remained essentially unchanged between an MHS sample of 252 in 1984 and 1985 (29.6%) and a YMHS sample of 557 in 1995 and 1996 (26.4%), while HIV prevalence dropped from 49.5% of 825 in 1984 and 1985 (MHS) to 17.6% of 428 in 1992 and 1993 (YMHS). The proportion of men practicing unprotected receptive anal intercourse with 1 or more partners declined from 54% to 11% during the 1984 through 1993 period (MHS) with similar though slightly higher values in the YMHS in 1992 and 1993; whereas for unprotected oral intercourse it ranged between 60% and 90% in the 1984 through 1996 period (MHS and YMHS). Conclusions: Infection with KSHV was already highly prevalent in homosexual men when the HIV epidemic began in San Francisco, and its prevalence has been maintained at a nearly constant level. Any declines in the incidence of Kaposi sarcoma do not appear to be caused by a decline in KSHV transmission.

The authors have investigated risk factors associated with HIV incidence among bisexual and gay men in Canada. Results demonstrate that HIV-positive bisexual and gay men usually live in unstable conditions and display more risky substance use and sexual behavior that HIV-negative men.

The authors evaluate the differences in risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases and sexual behavior among men who meet their male partners on-line. Results demonstrate that although on-line meeting partners is common and is associated with sexually transmitted disease risk in men who have sex with men, the Internet has opportunities for on-line disease prevention and health promotion.

The social and cultural context in which males have sex with other males includes sexual behavior patterns, religion, socio-cultural factors and legal considerations; these are also factors in HIV/AIDS epidemic. Various HIV/AIDS control programs that are being implemented in India are discussed.

Gay men infected with HIV but not developing AIDS showed differing attitudes about their situation. In the first round of interviews 10 years after infection, the men were essentially concerned with changes in their lives since infection; 6 years later, focus was on uncertainty and uniqueness.

This article discusses a study in which gay men with HIV discussed their quality of life after learning of their infection. Themes that were commonly shared by the men were the survival theme, the reciprocity theme, the appreciation theme, and the everyday life theme, with the survival theme being the most commonly shared, and the everyday life theme the least shared.

Byline: M. Wachtler (1), A. Hofmann (2), G. Muller (1), G. Frosner (2), H. Nitschko (2), M. Karwat (1), I. Knetsch (1), C. Emminger (1), D. Eichenlaub (1) Keywords: Key Words GBV-C/HGV infection; HIV infection; Seroprevalence; Male homosexuals; Sexual transmission; Age Abstract: Background: The objective of this cross-sectional, non-randomized, prospective study was to generate data on the prevalence of GB virus C (GBV-C)/hepatitis G virus (HGV) in a cohort of HIV-infected homosexuals from Munich. Patients and Methods: A total of 71 HIV-infected homosexual men were analyzed for prevalence of GBV-C RNA and antibodies to the E2 envelope glycoprotein (E2Ab). 475 healthy volunteer blood donors in southern Bavaria served as a control group. Results: The prevalence of GBV-C RNA was 27% (control group: 2.3%) and the prevalence of E2Ab was 35% (control group: 6%). The total prevalence for present and past infection was 62%. The differences between the HIV-infected patients and the control group were significantly (p &lt 0.0001). GBV-C RNA and E2Ab were not detected simultaneously in any serum sample. The E2Ab positive patients were older than the GBV-C RNA positives (mean 46 years versus 39 years, p = 0.0350). The GBV-C RNA and E2Ab negative patients were older than the GBV-C RNA positives (mean 47 years versus 39 years, p = 0.0236). The E2Ab positive patients had suffered sexually transmittet diseases more frequently than the patients negative for markers of GBV-C infection (p = 0.0308). E2Ab positive patients also had higher mean levels of alanine aminotransferase compared to patients without evidence of GBV-C infection (p = 0.0164). 59.4% of all individuals were anti-HBc IgG positive. Conclusion: The data can be interpreted as indirect evidence for sexual transmission of GBV-C. Author Affiliation: (1) City Hospital Munich-Schwabing, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Medical Dept. 4, Kolner Platz 1, D-80804 Munich, Germany Phone: (+49/89) 3068-2617, Fax: -3834, DE (2) Max von Pettenkofer Institute for Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 9a, D-80336 Munich,Germany, DE Article note: Received: October 6, 1999 * Revision accepted: July 25, 2000

In 1976, a group of physicians in private proctologic practice in New York City coined the illness 'Gay Bowel Syndrome' in reference to a constellation of gay male anorectal disorders. Through analysis of biomedical discourse and popular media, it is apparent that Gay Bowel Syndrome is an essentialized category of difference that is neither gay-specific, confined to the bowel, nor a syndrome. The use and diagnosis of Gay Bowel Syndrome must be abandoned before it further lends itself to the formation of social policies and governing practices that seek to force gay male bodies into positions of social, cultural, and political subordination.

Nearly one out of ten young gay and bisexual men in the San Francisco Bay Area appear to be HIV positive. A total of 425 gay and bisexual men between the ages of 17 and 22 were tested in public places in San Francisco and Berkeley, CA. The rate of HIV infection was 9.4% overall but was 21.2% inAfrican Americans. The rate of hepatitis B infection was 19.8%. Unsafe sex was reported by 32.7% of those tested, and 11.8% admitted using intravenous drugs. Only 30% of those who tested positive were previously aware that they had HIV, and only 22.5% were undergoing treatment for HIV. High rates of infection and risky behavior put young gays and bisexuals in the San Francisco Bay Area at great risk of transmitting HIV., Objective.--To estimate the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and risk behaviors among young homosexual and bisexual men sampled from public venues in San Francisco and Berkeley, Calif. Design.--A survey of 425 young homosexual and bisexual men sampled from 26 locations during 1992 and 1993. Participants were interviewed and blood specimens were drawn and tested for HIV, level of CD4, T lymphocytes, and markers of hepatitis B and syphilis. Setting.--Public venues in San Francisco and Berkeley, including street corners and sidewalks, dance clubs, bars, and parks. Population Studied.--Homosexual and bisexual men aged 17 to 22 years. Main Outcome Measures.--Prevalence of HIV infection and risk behaviors. Results.--The HIV seroprevalence was 9.4% (95% confidence interval, 6.8% to 12.6%). The prevalence of markers for hepatitis B was 19.8% (95% confidence interval, 16.1% to 23.9%), and that for syphilis was 1.0% (95% confidence interval, 0.3% to 2.4%). The HIV seroprevalence was significantly higher among African Americans (21.2%) than among other racial/ethnic groups (P=.002). Approximately one third (32.7%) of the participants reported unprotected anal intercourse, and 11.8% reported injecting drug use in the previous 6 months. At the time of interview, 70.0% of the HIV-infected men did not know that they were HIV seropositive, and only 22.5% were receiving medical care for HIV infection. Conclusions.--The prevalence of HIV infection is high among this young population of homosexual and bisexual men, particularly among young African-American men. The high rates of HIV-related risk behaviors suggest a considerable risk for HIV transmission in this population. Prevention programs and health services need to be tailored to address the needs of a new generation of homosexual and bisexual men. (JAMA. 1994;272:449-454)

Attitudinal and behavioural change among gay men in Switzerland was measured between 1987 and 1990 to evaluate the effectiveness of AIDS prevention activities. The methodology used included a self-administered questionnaire published in Swiss gay magazines and distributed by gay organizations (N = 795 in 1987, N = 720 in 1990) and in-depth interviews with men recruited through advertisements and through the questionnaire (N = 42 in 1987, N = 24 in 1990). The two independent sampling procedures yielded similar samples with regard to socio-demographic characteristics, allowing comparisons to be made between the 1987 and 1990 data. Personal confrontation with AIDS (knowing someone who is HIV-positive, or who is ill or dead from AIDS) increased significantly during the period but more adequate ways of coping developed. Behavioural change towards safer sex began well before the first study. The majority of responding homosexuals have adapted their sexual behaviour to the new situation created by AIDS and generally maintain a protective behaviour. However, 'exceptions' (condom rupture or episodes of non-protection) are not infrequent and should deserve more attention. Three indicators of sexual behaviour (number of sexual partners, anal sex and use of condom and oral sex with ejaculation), reported for the last 3 months before each study, exhibit few changes between 1987 and 1990: number of partners remained stable, unprotected oral sex decreased. Anal sex slightly increased, the use of condoms remaining stable. Sixty-seven percent of the sample knew their serostatus in 1990 (57% in 1987), and 13% of these stated that they were HIV + (14% in 1987).

The relationship of control beliefs to psychological adjustment was investigated in a sample of 24 gay men diagnosed with AIDS, participants in the University of California, Los Angeles site of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS). Distinctions between generalized contingency beliefs and specific competence beliefs and between personal and vicarious control beliefs were included in the questionnaire and interview measures administered. The results support these distinctions and indicate that beliefs in personal control over day-to-day symptoms and over course of illness were positively related to adjustment, whereas beliefs in control by others over course of illness and over medical care and treatment were negatively related to adjustment. These relationships appeared to be strongest for men who reported poorer health. These associations were not accounted for by locus of control beliefs, negative affectivity, or time since diagnosis with AIDS.

This study examined the impact of social support and HIV-related conditions on depression among 508 gay men participating in the San Francisco Men's Health Study, a population-based prospective study of single men aged 25-54 years. The number of HIV-related symptoms experienced significantly predicted depression cross-sectionally and 1 year later. Satisfaction with each of three types of social support (emotional, practical, informational) was inversely correlated with depression. Men who were more satisfied with the social support they received were less likely to show increased depression 1 year later. Degree of satisfaction with informational support appeared especially critical in buffering the stress associated with experiencing HIV symptoms. These findings offer valuable insight in understanding the psychological needs of gay men confronting the AIDS crisis and have important practical implications for designing mental health services to meet those needs., Various support systems and AIDS-related symptoms on the development of depression among gay men are correlated. Subjects are 508 single, young adult to middle aged gay men from San Francisco. Regression analysis of the one year longitudinal study followed-up on the subjects psychology after initial screening using interviews and blood testing for the AIDS virus. The presence of symptoms instigates depression among AIDS victims although social support systems primarily information, tend to prevent distress. These findings would help in understanding adaptive mechanisms of AIDS infected individuals.

The periodical New York Native's treatment of stories on diseases which afflict gay people and drug use among gays is discussed. Among the topics discussed are the usage of poppers, the African swine fever epidemic and the AIDS causing virus, HTLV-III.