Additionally, the study is the first known to utilize HIV-related life changes, including improvement, as a main variable. The sample consisted of 72 gay or bisexual men with HIV (48 with AIDS, 24 without AIDS). The majority of the men were white, well educated, and in their 40s. Participants voluntarily selected research materials from one of five private medical clinics. Abstract by author: The spread of HIV infection among gay men has been cause for concern. Factors associated with sexual risk-taking behavior, including lack of social support, have been studied in this population. Sense of belonging, a newly developed gauge of community fit and sense of value, has not been previously studied in relation to sexual risk taking. Thomson JD (1997). Barriers to consistent condom use: a major HIV risk factor among homeless adolescents. PH.D. Thesis, California Schools of Professional Psychology, Berkeley, CA. DAI, Vol. 58-05B, p. 2662, 163 pages. Abstract by author: This paper elaborated a contextualist metatheoretical foundation for psychoneuroimmunological investigation. While it subjected its hypotheses to empirical confrontation through traditional mechanistic methodology making good decisions essay, it adhered to its contextualist perspective to interpret its results. Abstract by author: This study was designed to examine historical and environmental risk factors for HIV in homeless and runaway adolescents. The study sample was comprised of 66 gay, bisexual, transgender and "questioning" male adolescents who were tested for HIV in 1993 and 1994 at two clinics for homeless and runaway youth in San Francisco. Subjects were age 15 to 21, with a mean age of 18.6. The research design was a case-control study with 22 HIV positive cases and 44 randomly selected HIV negative controls. Abstract by author: The literature is replete with articles about the grieving process that occurs when one loses a partner (Bowling, 1988; Feinson, 1986; Folken, 1991; Gass & Chang, 1989; Schuchter & Zisook, 1986; Zisook & Schuchter, 1991). However, men are seldom the sole focus of partner loss research (Lister, 1991) and the literature on gay grief is even more sparse (Doka, 1987; Siegel & Hoefer, 1981). The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of both heterosexual and gay men grieving the death of a partner due to chronic illness. Although there were unique aspects of heterosexual and gay men’s grief, results demonstrated that many issues relevant to grieving the death of a partner transcend the issue of sexual orientation. Key findings focused on recognizing the diversity of men and exploring the relationship between gender socialization outcomes and men’s grief. Recommendations for practitioners working with grieving men and researchers focusing on men’s grief are offered. Abstract by author: An attributional model of controllability suggests that perceptions of someone's controllability of an event lead to anger and rejection, whereas perceptions of uncontrollability lead to pity and helping. This study examined the impact of an HIV victim's sexual orientation and "responsibility" for infection on subjects' affective responses, self-disclosure to the person, social support, and liking and trust for the person. Subjects received messages from their "partner" (a confederate) stating that he had just learned he was HIV positive. The message either stated that he was heterosexual or homosexual, and that he had either only one partner or many partners. In the early years of the disease, gay males and intravenous drug users were those primarily infected. Historically, women are relatively new to the cast of those who are infected with HIV/AIDS. The most highly represented populations of infected women are IV drug users and minority women. The majority of these women are single heads of households with young children. How these women respond to their positive diagnosis can have tremendous repercussions to the individual as well as the family. People with HIV/AIDS must decide to whom and when to disclose this information. This study explored whether patterns of disclosure exist. These GLBTQ Info-Pages were located at the University of Southampton from 2000 to 2003 term paper subjects, this being the result of a collaboration with Dr. Chris Bagley, Department of Social Work Studies, University of Southampton. A model is advanced in which AIDS-risk behavior is predicted by these four dimensions of gay identity development - both directly and, indirectly, through these four variables' impact on the mediating variables of self-esteem, disavowal of AIDS risk, and perceptions that safer sex is the norm. The role of emotional distress in these processes was also examined. The subjects met once weekly for 1.5 hours at the San Diego AID's Project for four consecutive weeks. Immediately after the interventions and one month later subjects again filled out the measures. Abstract by author: This study tries to identify historical trends and predictors of high-risk behaviors in gay and bisexual youth school essay heros, using Social Learning Theory as a conceptual framework, and to evaluate the Youth and AIDS Project, using cost benefit/effectiveness analysis. Silvestre AJ (1992). HIV rates and differences in behavior among men entering an HIV disease cohort study. PH.D. Thesis, University of Pittsburgh, DAI Vol. 53-06A, p. 2111, 148 pages. Nicodemo RA (1990). The AIDS epidemic and the minority groups. M.P.H. Thesis, New York Medical College, MAI vol. 29-01, p. 0107, 116 pages. Qualitative content analysis identified as reoccurring psychosocial stressors for HIV-negative gay men: watching partners, friends and acquaintances fall ill and die, isolation and immobilization resulting from unprocessed grief and bereavement, the complex uncertainty of one's ability to maintain a seronegative status and fear of seroconversion, the lack of personal and communal support systems for HIV-negative men within the gay community, sexuality and sexual expression in the age of AIDS. Content analysis revealed psychosocial adaptations to include: HIV as a catalyst for self-discovery and self-growth, the importance of intimate and interpersonal relationships, creating community and social support systems, volunteerism and social activism while contributing to one's community and/or society and aesthetic appreciation and involvement. Abstract by author: As the AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) epidemic has moved into its second decade there are still few studies that have identified the role of familial antecedents in the development and progression of AIDS. This study examined familial antecedents of high risk sexual and intravenous (IV) drug using behaviors associated with HIV infection. Whereas most previous AIDS epidemiological studies focused on either sexual behavioral risk factors or IV drug using risk factors, this study examined both in a population of 100 gay men in one alcohol and drug treatment program. Data from this study indicates: (1) family variables are predictors of both sexual and IV drug using risk behaviors known to transmit HIV and (2) high risk sexual behaviors and IV drug use are predictors of HIV seropositivity. A series of multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors for (1) IV drug use, (2) high risk sexual behaviors and (3) HIV status. Parental psychoactive substance abuse increased the odds of IV drug use by 13% and high risk sexual behaviors by 12%. Parental divorce or separation increased the odds of engaging in IV drug use by 27% and high risk sexual behaviors by 73%. Subjects from families with a history of both parental psychoactive substance abuse and parental divorce or separation increased the odds of a history of IV drug use by 44% and high risk sexual behaviors by 95%. Concomitantly to write a dissertation, IV drug use increased the odds of self-reporting HIV seropositive by 35%. High risk sexual behaviors increased the odds of self-reporting HIV seropositive by 92%. Lastly, exposure to HIV by both IV drug use and high risk sexual behaviors increased the odds of self-reporting HIV seropositive by 160% indicating that exposure via more than one mode of transmission greatly increases the likelihood of HIV seropositivity. These results indicate the need to target high risk families and youth to prevent IV drug use, high risk sexual behaviors and ultimately HIV infection. Abstract by author: This study examined relationships among purpose in life, death anxiety, and HIV-related life changes for gay and bisexual men living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was hypothesized that purpose in life would be significantly and inversely correlated with death anxiety and significantly and positively correlated with HIV-related life changes. It was also hypothesized that health status would demonstrate an effect on the main variables. Subjects responded to this message, and were also given the opportunity to self-disclose. Subjects were then measured on their affective responses, liking and trust for their partner, and other measures. Overall, subjects reported more negative affect and less trust for a homosexual versus heterosexual HIV positive individual. Subjects also responded more intimately to a heterosexual HIV positive person than to a homosexual HIV positive individual. Subjects reported feeling more negative with a homosexual/irresponsible HIV positive person than anyone else, and dismissed (ignored or attempted to explain away) the problem less with someone who was homosexual/irresponsible than anyone else. Subjects also responded with more factually intimate statements and self-disclosed with more non-intimate statements with a homosexual/irresponsible person than anyone else. These results indicate a negative bias toward homosexuals, and that the negative bias is compounded when paired with a perception of irresponsibility. Abstract by author: Although numerous reports suggest that alcohol use is related to sexual behavior that is high-risk for HIV infection, inconsistent findings and methodological shortcomings have impeded efforts to derive clear prevention implications from these studies. Drawing from theory and research on alcohol use and health behavior regulation, the goal of the present study was to identify individual and situational factors that condition or moderate the link between drinking and risky sexual behavior. Data are drawn from event specific assessments of alcohol use and HIV risk behavior for two occasions of sexual activity. Respondents were 1183 gay and bisexual men recruited as part of a vaccine preparedness study. Based on research indicating that alcohol impairs attentional capacity and monitoring of abstract behavioral standards, it was hypothesized that drinking would be most strongly associated with HIV risk in settings where risky behavior is, under sober conditions, most strongly inhibited or constrained. Drawing from social learning models, it was also predicted that people with strong alcohol expectancies would be more likely to drink in sexual settings and, in turn, would be more vulnerable to lapses toward increased risk after consuming alcohol. Providing partial support for these hypotheses, results indicated that alcohol use was most consistently related to sexual risk taking in settings where concern about avoiding risky behavior is presumed to be highest (sex with non-steady or "casual" partners) and among individuals who in general are very concerned about avoiding sexual risk. In addition, expectations that alcohol enhances sexual responding and reduces tension were related to the use of alcohol in sexual settings, and interacted with a measure of safer sex "burnout" to predict total amount of alcohol consumed across two recent sexual encounters. No support was found for the hypothesis that alcohol expectancies would moderate the alcohol/risky sex link. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding the variable effects of alcohol on sexual responding and for designing targeted interventions to reduce substance-related risk behavior. Abstract by author: A sample of 211 male street prostitutes were interviewed and tested for antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Based on the constructs of the Health Belief Model, subjects' perceptions of susceptibility to HIV infection, severity of HIV infection, benefit to engagement in preventive health behavior to avoid infection, and barriers to the reduction of HIV-related risk behaviors were examined. Serological data from the study confirms an HIV point prevalence rate of (175 per 1,000) among the sample. Sexual behaviors associated with increased risk of HIV infection were, engagement in anal sex and oral-genital sex, history of syphilis, and a self-defined sexual orientation of homosexual. Based on previous research and the theoretical framework suggested by the Health Belief Model, it was expected that increased HIV-related risk behavior among the male street prostitutes would be inversely related to perceived severity of HIV infection sample research paper topics high school students, perceived susceptibility to HIV infection and perceived benefit to prevention of HIV infection and positively related to an increased perception of barriers to preventive health behavior. The findings partially support this model. Effective HIV prevention should be carried out at group or individual levels for gay and bisexual adolescents. Targeting of programmatic efforts at those who practice high-risk sex, those who have been involved in drug and alcohol use, or those whose parents have divorced would yield the greatest benefits. Simon PM (1990). Barriers to prevention of HIV infection among male prostitutes. PH.D. Thesis causes and effects of plagiarism, Tulane University, DAI Vol. 52-03A, p. 1099, 148 pages. Abstract by author: In the field of HIV and AIDS research a substantial literature has emerged detailing intervention campaigns with homosexual populations. Much less empirical research has been conducted to investigate the social factors contributing to HIV/AIDS in minority communities. The present study seeks to identify the existence of relationships between three variables (marginalization, locus of control and gender identification) and the risk for sexual exposure to HIV among young (13-21 year old) urban Black males. A survey instrument measuring six distinct categorical areas was administered through the county health department's sexually transmitted disease clinic. The six areas of the survey instrument were: social class, race/ethnicity, marginalization, locus of control, gender identification, and risk factors for sexual exposure to HIV. Five-hundred and fifty-two responses were obtained. In the study population significant relationships were found to exist between race, marginalization, social class, and risk for sexual exposure to HIV on key components. Discriminant function analyses were applied to determine the models ability to predict inclusion on the criterion variables. The model was found to significantly predict inclusion on several components of the composite dependent variable. Black males were significantly more likely to have unplanned fathering events (p =.000) than their White counterparts and to have past and present histories of sexually transmitted diseases (p=.024 & p =.000 respectively). These factors are suggested as proxies for risk of exposure to HIV/AIDS. Less significant findings were obtained for differences between Black and White males on locus of control or gender identification. Further exploration of psychosocial and environmental determinants of risk for HIV exposure through sexual practices appears warranted. Abstract by author: Data from the AAHP, a 3-year, multi-site, cross- sectional investigation (Myers et al. 1995), were used to examine the relative contributions of risk factors (i.e. age, income, education, psychiatric history, serostatus, drug use, and alcohol use) related to stress vulnerability, social stress and four sources of social stress free mass media essays, and the perceived quality of social supports received in predicting any current psychiatric disorders, any current mood disorders, and any current anxiety disorders in 242 gay/bisexual, African-American men, approximately half of whom were HIV+. All risk factors were expected to contribute to outcome with psychiatric history predicted to be the strongest predictor of current psychiatric disorder, mood history the strongest predictor of current mood disorders topics of essays for class 5, and anxiety history the strongest predictor of current anxiety disorders. Russell G (1995). Risk factors, social stress, and social supports as predictors of psychiatric morbidity in gay/bisexual African American men impacted by HIV/AIDS. PH.D. Thesis, DAI Vol. 56-11B, p. 6405 as critical thinking flaws, 109 pages. Slavin SF (1995). Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: graduate social work students' knowledge and attitudes. M.S.W. Thesis, California State University, Long Beach, DAI Vol. 33-06, p. 1738, 80 pages. Structural analysis revealed that although study participants defined their experiences using the term homophobia, their experiences could also be understood in the context of heterosexism, or the socially constructed belief that heterosexuality is superior to homosexuality. Heterosexism asks heterosexuals to consider their privileged position which serves to perpetuate the constraints placed upon gay couples coping with HIV infection. Employing this term helps us to understand the institutionalized and systematic constraints placed upon gay couples, as compared to the concept of homophobia, which tends to focus on the individual personality traits of gays and those who harbor negative feelings toward them. Abstract by author: Questionnaires from the 28 living AIDS cases in Nicaragua were reviewed and analyzed and produced the following findings: 93% were male, 7% female; male mean age was 35 years; the group with the highest prevalence was 30-39 year olds. The typical patient was a heterosexual male with multiple sex partners, a professional or white collar worker who had lived outside of the country in the past 10-15 years. Five-hundred and one male volunteers, 13-21 years of age, self-identified as gay/bisexual or having sex with men, were recruited into the initial interview in Minnesota during June 1, 1989-May 31, 1994. Three- hundred and seventy-six of them participated in the 3- month follow-up interview. The written instruments used in the interviews include measures of sexual behaviors, motivation, self-efficacy, knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission, and psychosocial and demographical information. Loglinear regression in trends study, covariance structure models in HIV risk reduction study, and a model of HIV transmission in the evaluation of the Youth and AIDS Project are mainly used in this study. Powell-Cope GM (1992) . Becoming a couple affected by HIV infection. PH.D. Thesis, University of Washington, DAI Vol. 53-08B, p. 4035, 264 pages. The investigation replicated Schaefer's (1991) study on psychological adaptations to the epidemic by HIV-positive gay men and diagnosed AIDS patients (n = 20) on life meaning, value and purpose. Data from the study on HIV-negative men were compared with Schaefer's (1991) findings. The sample consisted of 9 gay couples. Becoming a Couple Affected by HIV Infection was perceived as a major life transition as each individual was challenged with confronting multiple losses including possible death of the PWA, the pre-AIDS lifestyle, relationships with friends and family members, the future resume and cover letter, finances, and health. The beginning of this transitional began with "hitting home," or the awareness and subsequent emotional shock that life as the couple knew it before HIV was gone. "Mutual protection" is the mechanism by which individuals in the couple governed their activities toward one another. The major motivation for actions taken by study participants was the protection of the self and the other by forestalling losses such as threats to the relationship, health, and privacy, and preserving important relational characteristics such as independence, social boundaries, and intimacy. "Moving on" marked the end of the transition and included acceptance of a world in which loss and uncertainty were expected, if not commonplace, and moving on with one's life within the relationship, having renegotiated its meaning. Study participants settled on one of two different perspectives for the future: succumbing to AIDS or surviving HIV infection. The development of these GLBT information web pages were made possible through the collaboration of Richard Ramsay (Professor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary) and Pierre Tremblay (independent researcher, writer, and GLBT children and youth advocate) who both recognize that often needed social changes occur as the result of knowledge availability and dissemination. Additional Information at: Warning, Acknowledgments, Authors . Results indicated that intention to wear condoms when in the insertive role during anal intercourse was weakly associated with subjective norms and perceived behavioural control. Intention to insist on condom use when in the receptive role during anal intercourse was weakly related to attitudes. Intention to use condoms in either role during the next six months was extremely high, despite moderate levels of condom use in the previous six months. This study highlights many of the beliefs which underlie attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control in this population. Recommendations are made for nursing practice, education and further research. Stately AL (1997). The psychological adjustment of HIV-negative gay men in a sero-different couple: the impact of HIV-illness factors, AIDS-related loss, intimacy and social support and anticipatory grief and psychological distress. PH.D. Thesis, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles, DAI cheap dissertation writing uk, Vol. 58-09B, p. 5142, 206 pages. Abstract by author: This study examined risk factors for HIV infection among a sample of 68 young men and 36 young women ages 15-20 at a drop-in shelter in San Francisco, the majority of whom had been living on the street for 6 to 24 months or longer prior to sampling. Consistency of condom use was examined, as was the utility of questions derived from the AIDS Risk Reduction Model and six psychosocial variables (e.g. age, time on the street, substance use, trauma, abuse or sexual risk behaviors) in prediction of use. Sampling was conducted at Central City Hospitality House Youth Program in the Tenderloin area of San Francisco. Participants were selected Monday through Friday using random sampling. They were interviewed regarding their current lifestyle, HIV risk behaviors and family history. The Trauma Symptom Checklist Child was administered in written form. Two primary groups emerged, that of older, white males (ages 18-20) who engaged in intravenous drug use and young men and women who self-identified as sexual minorities, (i.e. gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or undecided about sexual orientation). Abstract by author: Previous research has found high occurrences of AIDS-risk behavior among younger gay men. The process of gay identity development is posited as a special developmental challenge that may affect these individuals' sexual behavior. The intervention program could limit HIV prevalence to under 8% at year 2000 if all risky gay and bisexual adolescents were recruited to program participation and educated to modify their sexual behaviors. Without the intervention, HIV prevalence is predicted to be approximately 22% at year 2000. The cost-benefit ratio of the intervention program is approximately 1:18.7. The federal government should increase expenditures for AIDS prevention programs such as the Youth and AIDS Projects since the return to society from investment in these programs clearly exceeds their costs. Data were collected by review of existing medical record forms. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were seen between the cases and the controls on variables which measured having been voluntarily sexually active for more than 6 years, self-identifying as gay (as compared to identifying as bisexual, transgender, or questioning), history of depression, allergies to medications, and history of asthma. Significant differences were seen at the p < 0.10 level for current use of cocaine, history of being in treatment, having a recent life change, and involvement in a community organization. Earlier studies have examined general explanatory models for as well as specific correlates of high-risk sexual behavior. Various theoretical models have also been proposed as descriptors of the process of gay identity development. These models suggest that there are four underlying dimensions of gay identity development: gay awareness/self-acceptance, attitudes about homosexuality, gay community involvement, and disclosure of same-sex attractions to significant others. Vieille RC Jr (1997). The use of hypnosis, self-hypnosis, mental imagery, and naturalistic trance to enhance immunity and health in gay men with HIV. PH.D. Thesis, California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno, DAI, Vol. 58-10B, p. 5692, 310 pages. Results. The results of the present study did not support previous research findings and instead revealed that all five null hypotheses established at the outset of the study were retained. While ANOVAs and Pearson correlations of the variables failed to yield significant findings, significant correlations were found between the following demographic characteristics and risk level: age, counseling history, and religious affiliation. Subjects more likely to practice low risk behaviors were found to be older, identify with a religious belief system, and have experienced more counseling. Furthermore, age, education, occupation, amount of counseling, and the number of months since diagnosis were significantly related to risk behavior sub-variables (such as the number of various high risk and moderate Participants' narratives describe their reactions to stigma in experiences of disequilibration which bring to bear aspects of their personal histories. One section of the dissertation presents ways social definitions and labels such as "Black", "gay", and "individualist" are selectively utilized by participants to highlight aspects of their conflicts about self-definition. Another section illustrates ways participants' expectations of dependency, separateness, and autonomy in relationships are patterned historically and stimulated in the stigma experience. Paraskevopouios A (1995). Clients' perceptions of significant psychological issues across the HIV/AIDS continuum. M.A. Thesis, McGill University, MAI Vol. 34-05, p. 1741, 124 pages, ISBN: 0-612-07951-1. Abstract by author: He is the "angriest gay man in America": Larry Kramer. Through his polemical dramatic texts, this study contends that he used the language of HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) and the performed representations of the HIV+ marked body to draw attention to the AIDS crisis. Analyzing the rhetoric and imagery that prompted the conflation of HIV with homosexuality, this dissertation: first, constructs a methodological approach to address behavioral, emotive, and comparative communication cues within the autobiographical plays of Larry Kramer; and second, uses that methodology to analyze the performance of the HIV+ marked body in those same dramas. Behavioral cues focus on: (1) the perception of HIV as God's punishment; (2) justifying homophobia; (3) coming out of the HIV and homosexual closets; (4) media representations of HIV; (5) heterosexuality as perceived cure; and (6) the perceptions of HIV as contagious. Emotive Communication cues focus on the use of fear, anger, and panic to induce action amongst audience members. Comparative Communication cues address the use of: (1) generalized metaphors (including "plague"); (2) specific imagistic comparisons (including "Holocaust"); and (3) social binaries designed to segment population elements (including "HIV+ versus HIV-"). The program consisted of a workshop designed to affect knowledge, attitudes, and risk perceptions, as well as precautionary sexual behavior through the training of safer sex skills. The workshop was followed-up by peer support meetings designed to address social norm change and problem-solving related to maintenance of behavioral change. Dependent variables included self-report measures of HIV/STD-related knowledge, risk perceptions, and attitudes, as well as self-reports of frequency of engagement in risky sexual behaviors. Results indicated that this sample of lesbian and bisexual women were quite knowledgeable with regard to general HIV/AIDS knowledge and that their risk perceptions were affected by their participation in the program. The sample's attitudes toward safer sex improved following their participation in the intervention. Frequencies of engagement in risky sexual behaviors varied across individual subjects: however, there appeared to be an indication of decreased risk among those who participated in the prevention program. Personal and communal rituals of grieving were instrumental in assisting bereaved individuals in expressive grief work adapting to multiple loss and bereavement, incorporating the wounded healer archetype, transforming survivor guilt to survivor mission with renewed personal/communal identity and social activism. To achieve the most moral solution, the problem can not be ignored any longer. What must be done is clear, and there are no other ways to go around the problem. AIDS is here to stay unless the people do something about it. People can not be left to die, no matter what race, when there are the resources out there to help educate and prevent such an epidemic from ever happening. You don't have to waste your time writing а thesis! National Interest Without immediate action, AIDS will surpass the effect of the Black Plague that killed forty million people in the late fourteenth century. It is estimated that only ten percent of the death that this disease will cause has been seen. There are no known cures or affordable vaccines to prevent AIDS; the only option is for a program to prevent further spread of the epidemic, minimize its impact, and provide care and nurture for those affected. The truth is, however, that not all nations have the capability or resources of preventing such catastrophes from happening; interventions must be placed in order for the country of Africa to have this problem diminished. They cannot to do this alone. AIDS is at war with Africa, and in any war, support is needed from allies. Without much needed assistance, Africa may lose this war against not only its people, but also its economy, which could lead to political downfall. This is just a sample research proposal (research proposal example) on HIV/AIDS. If you need a high-quality custom research proposal – feel free to contact our professional custom dissertation writing company which provides college and university students with custom Undergraduate, Master’s, MBA and Ph.D. dissertations, thesis papers and research proposals at an affordable cost. Any topics. Any deadlines. Get professional research proposal help right now! Just send us your paper details. Need Help With Your Dissertation? We'll find the best professional writer for you! Background This study assesses the impact of HIV/AIDS educational programs on knowledge levels about HIV/AIDS transmission in a rural Ugandan community. More specifically, this study addresses the following research questions: (1) Do HIV/AIDS education programs effectively teach about the heterosexual transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS? (2) Do HIV/AIDS education programs effectively teach about the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS in same-sex sexual practicing individuals?
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