Self-Care Management of Anxiety and Fear in HIV disease

Jeanne K. Kemppainen, William L. Holzemer, Kathleen Nokes, Lucille Sanzero Eller, Inge B. Corless, Eli Haugen Bunch, Kenn M. Kirksey, Brian K. Goodroad, Carmen J. Portillo, Fang Yu Chou

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency and correlates of self-reported anxiety and fear and the self-care behaviors used to manage these symptoms. Data were collected in a convenience sample (N = 422) of HIV-positive subjects. Demographic and disease-related variables were compared for those who did and did not report anxiety and fear. Anxiety and fear were the most frequently reported symptoms (17.3%, n = 73). There were significant differences on gender, level of education, and the use of antiretroviral medications. Self-care behaviors (n = 212) for anxiety and fear were grouped into seven categories: using activities for distraction = 25%, talking to others = 27%, using alternative/complementary therapies = 18%, taking prescribed medications = 10%, using self-talk = 9%, using substances = 9%, and using avoidance behaviors = 7%. Anxiety and fear are commonly experienced by people with HIV/ AIDS. Self-care strategies are imperative in the management of these clinical manifestations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)21-29
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was partially funded by a VA postdoctoral nurse fellowship through the VA Office of Academic Affairs, Jeanne Kemppainen, PhD, RN, postdoctoral nurse fellow, National Institute of Nursing Research, NIH, “HIV/AIDS Nursing Care and Prevention” (T32 NRO7081), William L. Holzemer, RN, PhD, FAAN, project director, and the Presidential New Research and Teaching Initiatives Award Program at Hunter College of the City University of New York, Kathleen Nokes, RN, PhD, FAAN, principal investigator.

Keywords

  • AIDS
  • Anxiety
  • Critical incident technique
  • HIV
  • Nursing
  • Self-care

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