Assisting persons with AIDS: A content analysis of information sources on dying, death, and bereavement for gay males with AIDS

Although much research has been done to combat the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic, neither a known cure for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome nor a vaccine to prevent infection with the human immunodeficiency virus currently exists. While medical and technological advances have proven successful in prolonging the course of the illness, for most individuals an AIDS diagnosis continues to result in death. Yet this subject area within the AIDS arena has repeatedly been noted as lacking adequate documentation.;It was found that it is necessary to consult multiple sources of information in order to gain comprehensive coverage of the subject matter, as no one is all-inclusive. Additionally, the information seeker cannot limit the search to traditional sources of information found in a health sciences setting since data has historically, and continues to be, produced by those individuals directly affected by the epidemic--the gay community. Moreover, it is essential to augment and complement available information with data from related areas as significant lacunae exist in AIDS-specific resources.;Until a cure is found for the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, health care professionals must be as knowledgeable as possible concerning all aspects of the illness--including the dying process. The gay community possesses unique characteristics that differentiate it from other groups perceived to be at risk for infection, and it is this community which continues to comprise the greatest number of AIDS-related deaths in the United States. With increased understanding, this final stage of life is one in which the assistance offered by health care professionals can make a significant difference.;This pilot study analyzed the content of the information available to health care professionals counseling gay men with AIDS as they prepare for death. The criteria used in this content analysis to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the materials were timeliness and perceived degree of usefulness. Timeliness was judged by imprint date, and perceived degree of usefulness consisted of specific issues discussed in the general literature concerning the dying process and aspects involving the homosexual community as seen in the AIDS literature.