HERPES REVISITED - STILL A CAUSE OF CONCERN

The American Social Health Association (ASHA) surveyed people with her pes about their experiences with the disease and its effect on their l ives. A systematic sample of 5,000 was chosen from approximately 10,00 0 readers of the helper, ASHA's quarterly journal for people with herp es. Of the sample, 3,120 returned completed surveys, which addressed m edical history, health-care experience, treatment, personal impact, an d demographic information. Data analysis was descriptive, consisting o f observed frequencies and cross-tabulations. Data illustrated that th e psychosocial impact of herpes can be serious and long-lasting. Diagn osis is often associated with emotional upheaval, and dissatisfaction with diagnosing health-care providers was common. Over one-half of the respondents reported feelings of depression and fear of rejection in the last year. Sexual enjoyment and activity also were negatively affe cted by herpes. These results may be instructive to those delivering h ealth services by providing insight into the significant impact of her pes on those infected.