Potential predictors of information-seeking behavior by homosexual/bisexual (gay) men with a human immunodeficiency virus seropositive health status.

Seeking ways to improve their health, gay men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections living in San Francisco are developing information networks and patterns of self-care behavior. Drawing from a set of explanatory theories, this cross-sectional survey with retrospective elements examined patterns and potential predictors of information-seeking activity in a cohort or 162 HIV seropositive (HIV+) men, 60 of whom provided complete data sets. The study suggests that 1 year after becoming aware of an HIV+ health status, most patients have developed multifaceted information networks. The amount of tangible aid acquired from these networks and frequency of consultation is positively related to patterns of HIV self-care behaviors and "feeling calm" (p less than 0.01), suggesting that these variables may be important markers for the need of supportive-educative nursing care. Suggestions for nursing practice and research are also described.