ABSTRACT
Acceptance among family, friends, and within the community is a critical developmental milestone during adolescence. Having a diagnosis of HIV may hinder or impede one's ability to develop socially. The purpose of our original study was to describe the role spirituality may play in HIV-infected adolescents and emerging adults. We interviewed 21 Christian-identified males using constructivist grounded theory methodology. The theory of the church not embracing HIV-infected youth was generated. The theme "unwelcoming" describes young people's attempts to connect with the church. Embracing adolescents and emerging adults in church may offer support and enhance their ability to cope with HIV.
Subject(s)
Christianity , HIV Infections/psychology , Social Stigma , Spirituality , Stereotyping , Adaptation, Psychological , Adolescent , Adult , California , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Qualitative Research , Young AdultABSTRACT
Spirituality is important to holistic health, yet little is known about its impact on young people with HIV. To address this knowledge deficit, a grounded theory study used semi-structured interviews of 20 Christian-identified adolescent and emerging adult gay males and one perinatally infected male. This study revealed that, to cope with HIV health issues, participants used a process of reconnecting with their spirituality. In order to successfully reconnect with their spirituality, study participants reported a need to re-embrace and re-engage in spiritual practices, hold onto hope, believe they are normal, and commit to beliefs and practices despite rejection from the church.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , HIV Infections/psychology , Homosexuality, Male/psychology , Spirituality , Adolescent , Adult , Grounded Theory , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Young AdultABSTRACT
Acquiring HIV in adolescence and young adulthood, when development of self-identity, personal values, and life purpose are central, is challenging. The purpose of our study was to explore the spiritual needs of young people with HIV, learning strategies they used to cope with the disease. A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted. A purposive sample of 21 Christian-identified HIV-infected males was interviewed. The iterative coding phases of grounded theory, including open, axial, selective, and theoretical, were used to analyze data, and a theory of claiming normalcy with HIV was generated. We present the salient theme "I am normal," describing young people's attempts to function the same as peers despite requiring daily treatment. Conditions associated with feelings of normalcy included disclosure status, stigma experiences, support, and health status. Participants sought meaning in the disease, ongoing social engagement, and self-belief. Reinforcing feelings of normalcy may help young people cope with HIV.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Christianity , HIV Infections/psychology , Self Concept , Social Stigma , Adolescent , Discrimination, Psychological , Grounded Theory , HIV Infections/diagnosis , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Male , Peer Group , Qualitative Research , Social Adjustment , Truth Disclosure , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of lenalidomide, an analogue of thalidomide with enhanced immunomodulatory and antiangiogenic properties and a more favorable toxicity profile, in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) when given concurrently with radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with newly diagnosed GBM received radiotherapy concurrently with lenalidomide given for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period and continued lenalidomide until tumor progression or unacceptable toxicity. Dose escalation occurred in groups of 6. Determination of the MTD was based on toxicities during the first 12 weeks of therapy. The primary endpoint was toxicity. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients were enrolled, of whom 20 were treated and evaluable for both toxicity and tumor response and 2 were evaluable for toxicity only. Common toxicities included venous thromboembolic disease, fatigue, and nausea. Dose-limiting toxicities were eosinophilic pneumonitis and transaminase elevations. The MTD for lenalidomide was determined to be 15 mg/m(2)/d. CONCLUSION: The recommended dose for lenalidomide with radiotherapy is 15 mg/m(2)/d for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week rest period. Venous thromboembolic complications occurred in 4 patients, and prophylactic anticoagulation should be considered.
