HIV disease symptom management in the context of committed relationships

Grounded theory was used to explore the meanings of HIV symptom management that occur within the context of committed relationships between gay men when at least one is infected with HIV. In-depth interviews were completed with nine couples. Mutual protection, the mechanism by which the person attempted to ward off losses perceived as within his control and to "let go" of forces outside of his control, was identified as the context for symptom management. Independent, interdependent, and dependent symptom management occurred by couples. Study findings reinforce the need for clinicians and researchers to consider the social context of symptoms.