Me. Kemeny et L. Dean, EFFECTS OF AIDS-RELATED BEREAVEMENT ON HIV PROGRESSION AMONG NEW-YORK-CITY GAY MEN, AIDS education and prevention, 7(5), 1995, pp. 36-47
This study investigates the relationship between early AIDS-related be
reavement and subsequent changes in CD4 T-cell levels and health over
a three- to four-year follow-up period in 85 HIV positive gay men. In
addition, two psychological responses to loss, grief, and depression w
ere distinguished and used as predictors of changes in health followin
g loss. Interview data collected each year was used to assess psycholo
gical, behavioral and health factors. Blood samples drawn yearly were
used to assess CD4 T-cell levels. Results indicate that those who had
experienced an AIDS-related bereavement event prior to entry into the
study showed a more rapid loss of CD4 T-cells over time, controlling f
or age, initial health status, use of antiretrovirals, sedatives, recr
eational drugs, cigarettes, and alcohol as well as other potential con
founding factors. CD4 loss-rate differences were observable by two yea
rs post-bereavement. In addition, grief reactions were distinguishable
from depressive reactions. Grief reactions were unrelated to CD4 decl
ine and symptom onset while aspects of depression, specifically self-r
eproach, were predictive of CD4 loss. These data suggest that bereavem
ent may impact biological systems relevant to HIV progression and that
distinguishing specific responses to loss may improve our understandi
ng of these relationships.