Eggan F, Senterfitt W; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: D430 (abstract no. PoD 5259).

Being Alive-People with HIV/AIDS Action Coalition, Los Angeles, CA.

ISSUE/PROBLEM: The ability to form and maintain intimate relationships may be severely disrupted by knowledge of HIV seropositivity or development of symptoms, leading to social isolation, psychological depression or denial, and sometimes the practice of high-risk sexual behavior not requiring intimacy. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Being Alive, an organization by and for people living with HIV/AIDS which operates various support programs, started a dating service exclusively for HIV+ people. A monthly listing, organized separately by sexual preference, is sent to all members who provide a brief statement and sign a confidentiality agreement. A monthly "singles/mixer-type" social event is held in a safe and comfortable setting. The mailings and parties also provide contextual information using a variety of media on how to have a healthy sex life while being immune compromised and on how to access early health care interventions and other support services. RESULTS: The first mailing in December, 1991 went to 40 members, the 2nd to 100, and the 3rd to 400; 80% are gay men, 14% heterosexual men, and 6% heterosexual women (close to the community demography of adult AIDS cases). The first social event in February, 1992 was attended by 400; most were asymptomatic and more than half had no previous contact with any HIV/AIDS organization or services. Evaluation of effects of participation on health care utilization, sexual risk behavior and other health-promoting behaviors, and perceived quality of life are underway. LESSONS LEARNED: The initial response confirms our belief that new means of access to intimate relationships is perceived as an urgent need by HIV+ persons. Self-organized social and dating services linked to broader educational, health care, and social support services may provide an important new means of promoting healthful behaviors and attitudes among HIV+ persons.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Adult
• Evaluation Studies
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Homosexuality
• Homosexuality, Male
• Humans
• Hygiene
• Interpersonal Relations
• Male
• Marriage
• Risk-Taking
• Social Support
• methods
• organization & administration
• therapy

Other ID:

• 92402765

UI: 102200479

From Meeting Abstracts