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Biomedical subjects

R L Sowell

Publications and source records attributed to R L Sowell.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
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A focus on family.

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Family Health↗
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Knowledge and risk behaviors of people seeking HIV antibody testing at a community site.

People seeking HIV antibody testing at a community-based AIDS service organization (N = 342) were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire to determine knowledge of HIV transmission, source(s) of HIV-related knowledge, and recent risk behaviors. The overall knowledge level of risk for transmitting HIV associated with 16 related behaviors was relatively high. Yet, 69% of the participants reported engaging in unsafe sex during the previous six months. Poorly informed subjects tended to overestimate their level of knowledge. In a multiple regression analysis, knowledge, age, and gender were the only significantly predictors of engaging in unsafe sex in this cohort. Nurses must be on the forefront in developing (1) strategies to reach people at high risk for HIV infection and HIV transmission, (2) culturally relevant and sensitive education, and (3) interventions that will enable people to make appropriate choices concerning high-risk behaviors.

Adolescent↗
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Group sex in gay men: its meaning and HIV prevention implications.

HIV/AIDS continues to pose a serious health hazard for gay men. Large numbers of men continue to become HIV infected each year, despite access to knowledge concerning how HIV is transmitted. Although gay men changed their sexual practices early in the epidemic, there is growing concern that there is a resurgence of risky sexual activities occurring in this group. Of particular concern is the resurgence of group sex activities. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of group sex in gay men to gain insight into the meaning of group sex to these men, the context in which it occurs, and men's views of how group sexual encounters relate to HIV transmission. The study used a qualitative approach to data collection. Ten self-identified gay men who reported engaging in group sex activities were interviewed concerning their experiences. Men reported that the most likely place for them to engage in group sex activities was in sex clubs, and a majority of their discussions centered on these clubs. Study data were analyzed using content analysis. Two overall categories of responses emerged from men's descriptions of their group sex experience: sexual desire and HIV/STD risk behaviors. Four themes--access to sex, sexual excitement or stimulation, sexual options, and control and sexual freedom--comprised the category of Sexual Desire. The themes identified within the category of HIV/STD risk behaviors included reframing risk, rejection of safer sex, and alcohol and drug use. The findings of the study suggest that sex in group settings such as sex clubs is a reality that must be addressed by HIV prevention efforts. Additionally, results indicate that current HIV prevention messages are being rejected by many gay men and need to be reevaluated for relevance two decades into the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

Adult↗
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Issues of women dually diagnosed with HIV infection and substance use problems in the Carolinas.

A growing number of women are being dually diagnosed with HIV infection and substance use problems. Forty-two percent of all women diagnosed with AIDS have been infected through injection drug use. Many more women with HIV are exposed to nonintravenous drugs that potentially affect their quality of life and illness experience. This study sought to identify from the perspective of women factors that most influenced their ability to obtain treatment for their HIV infection and control their substance use. A focus group approach was used for data collection. Twenty-five HIV-infected women participated in one of four focus groups. Women were asked to identify and discuss their concerns and needs related to HIV/AIDS and substance use. Twenty-four women were African-American; one was white. All the women reside in South Carolina or North Carolina. Each focus group session was audiotaped and transcribed. Content analysis, following Krippendorff's (1980) methodology, was used to analyze the data. Five themes emerged: 1) AIDS as a life-altering event; 2) spirituality; 3) mental health issues; 4) barriers to health care services; and 5) environmental influences. It was concluded that the coexistence of HIV and substance abuse adds to the complexity of women's treatment needs. For these women, an HIV diagnosis can serve to alter their lives either positively or negatively. Dually diagnosed women have unique needs that require integration of physical and psychosocial interventions. These women may benefit from the services of psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners who have the skills necessary to address the many psychosocial issues women face as well as provide physical treatment. Additionally, drug treatment services need to be expanded and made more comprehensive. Drug treatment programs need to be developed specifically for women, and these services need to be made accessible to poor women with substance abuse problems. Further, drug treatment programs need to provide comprehensive services that can appropriately integrate the treatment of HIV disease and substance abuse.

Adult↗
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Perceived HIV-related sexual risks and prevention practices of African American women in the southeastern United States.

African American women in the southeastern United States constitute the fastest growing segment of those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Little data exist about the relationships between HIV infection risks and preventive practices. In this article, we describe a focus group investigation of how HIV-related sexual risks are perceived by 19 heterosexual African American women, ages 18 to 44. Data were analyzed and interpreted using content analysis, where key ideas, words, and phrases were grouped based on their relation to the purpose of the study. Four themes were revealed: "a man will be a man," inconsistent and/or no condom use, safe relationships, and racism and discrimination. Perceived safety within relationships mediated both perceptions of HIV-related risks and sexual practices. In light of beliefs about the riskiness of sex with high-risk partners, fear of HIV, and the importance of self love in minimizing HIV infection risks, the women continued to practice unsafe sexual behaviors. Results indicate that women perceive themselves as victims in society and that this perception limits their propensity to take action to protect themselves from HIV. Successful HIV infection prevention interventions need to address negative social and economic factors that define the context of many women's lives.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nursing education and HIV disease: a call for action.

The continued increase in reported cases of HIV disease has created a compelling need for nursing educators to provide students with comprehensive information on HIV-related issues. The authors discuss the need for students to care for HIV-positive individuals under faculty supervision to overcome fear and anxiety. Faculty education is proposed as a first step to develop a comprehensive approach to HIV education. A guide for integrating HIV content into the curriculum is provided.

Clinical Competence↗