Lupus (SLE): Existence and Impact of Depressive Symptomatology.

The purpose of this cross-sectional study (N = 84) is to: (1) further identify the unique psychosocial challenges facing those living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and (2) discern the validity of the depression dimension of the System Lupus Erythematosus Needs Questionnaire (SLENQ) (by including the Beck Depression Inventory [BDI-II]). Utilizing the BDI-II, this study replicates and confirms the validity of studies that employed the SLENQ, establishing that those who have manifested signs of depression in the SLENQ, are equally likely to show signs of depression in the BDI-II. Authors identify and confirm that patients who experience SLE-related depression are significantly more likely to forget taking or stop taking their SLE medications.

What social workers in health care should know about lupus: a structural equation model.

This article reports on findings from a cross-sectional study (N=378) of patients living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The purpose of this study was to identify and clarify the unique psychosocial challenges for those living with lupus. The specific analysis will help to develop a model to determine how different factors influence SLE patients' psychosocial needs.

PTSD and HIV in women: the role of gender in this dual diagnosis.

This article is based on the authors findings from a cross-sectional descriptive study of men (n = 116) and women (n = 68) who were receiving HIV/AIDS counseling from four different community centers across New York state from March-July 2010. To ascertain the prevalence of post-traumatic stress in this population, a checklist (PCL) was employed. The responses from females and males were compared to detect gender differences in the common dual diagnosis of HIV and PTSD.

Psychosocial dimensions of SLE: implications for the health care team.

Background: The purpose of this exploratory study was threefold, ie, to clarify the unique psychosocial challenges facing those living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), to distinguish which sociodemographic variables impact the lives of SLE patients, and generate knowledge regarding the way patients perceive SLE medication regimens.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional exploratory study in 378 patients diagnosed with SLE and receiving services from the SLE Lupus Foundation in New York City. In addition to sociodemographic variables, the instrument used consisted of two scales, ie, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Needs Questionnaire (SLENQ) and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, as well as questions regarding subjective perceptions of side effects from SLE medication.

Living with lupus: a qualitative report.

This article reports on the findings of a qualitative study based on three focus-groups of individuals (N = 32) living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The themes that emerged indicated a high vulnerability for self-reported feelings of depression. The four key challenges included: (1) feeling depressed that they are not who they used to be, (2) feelings of depression and anxiety related to coping with the uncertainty of the illness, (3) physical and emotional fatigue of living with a chronic illness, and (4) coping with the financial strain of the illness.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and HIV: a snapshot of co-occurrence.

Although the medical advances in the area of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) have undoubtedly improved the length and quality of life for those who are HIV-affected and medication adherent, there are still many psychosocial obstacles to effective HIV/AIDS medication adherence. Recent research has focused on one such obstacle. The significant link between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and HIV.

Lesbian and gay elders and long-term care: identifying the unique psychosocial perspectives and challenges.

This qualitative study of lesbian and gay elders seeks to identify the psychosocial challenges this community faces regarding long-term care. Two focus groups were conducted among 16 gay elders in community and long-term care settings. Participants reported fear of being rejected or neglected by healthcare providers, particularly personal care aides; fear of not being accepted and respected by other residents; fear of having to go back into the closet if placed in long-term care; and a preference for gay-friendly care.

HIV/AIDS prevention in New York City: identifying sociocultural needs of the community.

New York City has always been and remains at the epicenter of the country's AIDS epidemic, with more than 100,000 people living with HIV/AIDS. More than Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Miami combined (CDC, 2007b). Each year there may be as many as 4,800 people in New York City who are newly diagnosed with HIV and 1,700 who die from the disease (NYC Commission on HIV/AIDS, 2005; NYC AIDS Institute, 2006g).

Intentional seroconversion in the gay community: the social work role in assessment and intervention.

There is a reported increase of intentional seroconversion in the United States over the past several years in the gay community (Crossley, 2004; Trinufol, 2003). This article reports on a sample (n = 24) of men who identify their motivations behind their pursuit of seroconversion. Respondents were asked to identify what motivations were connected to their attempt to become seropositive.

Hepatitis C: what every case manager should know.

Over the next decade, case managers can anticipate encountering increasing numbers of clients with hepatitis C. This article provides a sociopolitical and medical overview of hepatitis C, diagnosis, risk and transmission factors, co-infection of HIV and hepatitis C treatment issues. The article identifies and analyzes policy and practice implications for case managers in health care.

Challenges and changing roles in HIV/AIDS social work: implications for training and education.

HIV/AIDS social work was changed fundamentally by the introduction of more effective medications to combat the disease, and by the spread of HIV/AIDS beyond the gay community to intravenous drug users and their sexual partners, women, children, adolescents, and people of color. This paper describes the professional challenges HIV/AIDS social workers now face at this stage in the history of the disease as a result of improved medications, and the spread of the disease to newer groups. We describe the roles HIV/AIDS social workers will play in the next wave of the epidemic, and discuss the implications of these changing roles for social work education and training.

Couples coping with discordant HIV status.

As we start the third decade of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic, how does HIV/AIDS affect the emotional lives of couples of mixed HIV status? This is a case report based on the findings of an exploratory research study of serodiscordant couples in the New York City area. It focuses on the issues confronting a particular couple who represent the salient issues in the lives of serodiscordant couples. This case report discusses the findings of a study that attempted to ascertain the central emotional challenges facing couples of mixed HIV status and discusses one case in particular that illustrates how these issues might commonly manifest themselves.