Coping with epidemic in HSG males

One hundred nine HIV seronegative gay (HSG) males from the Montreal gay community, drawn from downtown health clinics, advertisements in gay friendly newspapers, and referrals from colleagues, were examined with respect to how they were coping with the HIV and AIDS epidemic (July 3, 1981 to August, 1998). Participants were asked to complete both a detailed demographic questionnaire and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. Coping theory and coping research relevant to the research at hand are discussed in detail. Results indicate that HSG males in Montreal are coping most frequently with the HIV and AIDS epidemic through the "escape/avoidance" coping strategy, and least frequently through "confrontive coping." In addition it was found that the only significant results, by age group, relate to the "accepting responsibility" and "escape/avoidance" coping strategies.Research limitations, suggestions for future research, and clinical implications are discussed