Seeking medical advice if HIV symptoms are suspected. Qualitative study of beliefs among HIV-negative gay men.

OBJECTIVE To identify beliefs associated with seeking medical advice promptly when symptoms of HIV infection are suspected among HIV-negative gay men.

DESIGN Qualitative study of beliefs among focus group participants.

SETTING Quebec city, Que, metropolitan area.

PARTICIPANTS Referred sample of 20 HIV-negative gay men 18 to 45 years old who attended bars, university, or gay associations in Quebec city.

METHOD Three focus groups of five to seven subjects were formed and each 2-hour session was tape-recorded. MAIN OUTCOME FINDINGS: Participants thought that seeking medical advice promptly when symptoms of HIV are suspected would help them be informed about their health status and would eliminate unnecessary anxiety and fear, but would force them to face reality and make major changes. Barriers were the quality of the relationship with their physicians and concern about discussing their sexual lives. Normative beliefs were sought from members of community groups, circles of close friends, health providers, and the media.

CONCLUSIONS Several beliefs could influence the motivation of seronegative gay men to seek medical advice promptly when symptoms of HIV infection are suspected. These beliefs should be integrated into programs promoting early consultation with physicians and into clinical counseling, as integration could facilitate early treatment and care. Physicians should give special attention to establishing relationships of trust with these patients.