Annette Bairan

A model of HIV disclosure: Disclosure and types of social relationships

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of HIV positive (+) persons regarding disclosure of their serostatus to others with the goal of developing a model of HIV disclosure that could be used by healthcare providers (HCPs) in HIV prevention. Data sources: Data were collected through 13 focus groups from 104 HIV+ participants. The groups were formed based on three HIV risk exposure categories—men who have sex with men, high‐risk heterosexuals, and substance users. Conclusions: Data analysis revealed three themes: disclosure of one’s HIV+ serostatus depends on type of social relationships, fear, and stigma, with social relationships being the major theme. A model of HIV disclosure emerged from the data analysis of social relationships. In the model, social relationships were categorized as sexual and nonsexual, with varying degrees of HIV disclosure—depending on the social relationship with the person to whom one did or did not disclose. Results indicated that HIV is still a fearful and stigmatizing disease, and disclosure of HIV status is a complex phenomenon embedded in various types of social relationships. Implications for practice: Results of this study provide a “Model of HIV Disclosure” that can be utilized by nurse practitioners and other HCPs in clinical practice when providing treatment, counseling, and prevention education for HIV+ clients and for prevention education for HIV negative clients—especially for family, friends, sexual partners, and employers of HIV+ clients.

A survey of female nursing students’ knowledge, health beliefs, perceptions of risk, and risk behaviors regarding human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to assess knowledge of, perceived susceptibility to, perceived seriousness of, and risk behaviors regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer among female nursing students. Data sources: A 40‐item survey of HPV and cervical cancer was distributed to a convenience sample of 240 female nursing students enrolled in a baccalaureate nursing program. Conclusions: Female nursing students participate in high‐risk sexual behaviors and have a fairly low knowledge level, low perceived susceptibility, and low perceived seriousness regarding HPV and cervical cancer. Knowledge and perceived susceptibility were positively related to number of sexual partners. This may indicate that the women who engage in riskier behavior are more knowledgeable about HPV and their risk of contracting the disease. Implications for practice: Results indicate that all practitioners involved in the care of women should educate them about HPV and its relationship to cervical cancer. Education should include the need to use condoms to prevent HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

RELIGION, RELATIONSHIPS AND MENTAL HEALTH IN MIDLIFE WOMEN FOLLOWING ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Little is known about coping in women following an acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In midlife, women have worse outcomes than men following AMI. Innovative interventions need to be developed that respond to these womens unique recovery needs. In this correlational, descriptive study, 59 women aged 35–64 who had experienced AMI reported low satisfaction with life and decreased mental health; 49% were experiencing depression. However, they also reported that religion, family, and friends provided strength and comfort at the time of their AMI. Greater activation of simple, family-oriented, coping resources during recovery may be key. It is recommended that mental health nurses be essential members of the recovery planning team.

Methamphetamine Use Among Suburban Women: Implications for Nurse Practitioners

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to provide nurse practitioners (NPs) with more effective strategies to diagnose methamphetamine (MA) use and assess healthcare needs of MA‐using women. Data sources: The researchers collected data from 65 suburban women who were MA users living in the suburbs of a large southeastern city in the United States. We conducted in‐depth interviews and focus groups examining their life history, drug history, risk behaviors, and access to health care. The qualitative findings are examined here. Conclusions: Three main themes emerged from the data: (a) gendered stigmatization of MA use; (b) MA‐related health risk behaviors; and (c) barriers to health and social services, which resulted in a domino effect that led to further life and health complications. When these factors are not effectively addressed, the result is more serious health problems for the women and their children. Implications for practice: This article offers awareness and assessment tools to provide NPs adequate knowledge about the factors associated with MA use in order to treat patients holistically. NPs are strategically positioned to effectively assess, diagnose, treat, and provide linkage to health and social services, especially for suburban females who are a hidden population of drug users.

Validating the Utility of the Spanish Version of the American Diabetes Association Risk Test

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) Risk Test, often used for decisions to blood glucose screen or not, lacks studies reporting the reliability or validity for the Spanish version of the tool. The objective of this study is to further validate the utility of the Spanish version of the ADAs Risk Test for Latino Populations. A convenience sample of 316 Latinos participated in this study. A positive but weak statistical correlation was found between blood glucose and the Risk Test score (.138), suggesting low reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the instrument. Two internal consistency estimates of reliability techniques were computed for the Risk Test for diabetes scale items, indicating low reliability.