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In this study, we searched for evidence for reactivation of three latent herpesviruses, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1), and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), in West Point cadets experiencing two different stressors. Blood samples were obtained from cadets before and after a 6-week training period known as "Cadet Basic Training" (CBT), at a baseline prior to final examinations, and then once again during the week of final examinations. Antibody titers to latent HSV-1, EBV, and HHV-6 were determined as a measure of the steady-state expression of latent virus. EBV virus capsid antigen (VCA) IgG antibody titers were unchanged in blood samples obtained prior to and immediately after CBT. However, EBV antibody titers were significantly higher in the blood sample obtained during examination week than in the baseline period before examination; they were also higher than antibody titers before/after CBT. None of the serum samples were positive for EBV VCA IgM antibodies, indicating that the changes in antibody titers to EBV were not associated with recent EBV infections in the class. No significant changes in antibody titers to HSV-1 or HSV-6 were found over the identical time periods, including examination week. Academic stress but not CBT modulated the steady-state expression of latent EBV, resulting in the reactivation of latent virus. The same stressors, however, did not affect the steady-state expression of latent HSV-1 or HSV-6, at least as measured by changes in antibody titers. The data provide additional evidence of the impact of different psychological stressors on the steady-state expression of latent herpesviruses., (Copyright 1999 Academic Press.)

Objectives: To delineate the primary concerns women associate with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) results and colposcopy and to identify women's strategies for coping with these potential stressors., Design: A longitudinal, descriptive study involving telephone interviews after participants received abnormal Pap results and mailed questionnaires before and after colposcopy., Setting: Private and public women's health clinics in the midwestern United States., Participants: Seventy-five women who had abnormal Pap results and needed initial colposcopy completed telephone interviews; 40 completed a precolposcopy questionnaire and 35 completed a postcolposcopy questionnaire., Main Outcome Measures: Clients' concerns and coping strategies were assessed after they learned their Pap results were abnormal, the day before colposcopy, and the day after the procedure., Results: Women's primary concerns involved not understanding the Pap results, cancer, or infertility. Coping strategies used most, and rated as helpful throughout the experience, were seeking social support and distraction., Conclusions: Nursing interventions can be designed to improve women's understanding of the meaning of abnormal Pap results, address concerns about abnormal Pap results, and encourage women to use social support and distraction while awaiting colposcopy.

The relationship among health beliefs, health locus of control and diagnosis with Human papillomavirus and compliance with medical recommendations for an abnormal Pap test was explored through use of a survey in a sample 272 women. A total of 29 women (11%) indicated they failed to comply with the medical recommendation. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess relative risk for noncompliance. Two items from the health belief scale were statistically significant. Women who agree with the statement, "The uncertainty about my Pap test makes me nervous," were four times as likely to comply with the medical recommendations as compared to women who disagreed with the statement. Women who agreed with the statement, "I have not been able to cope with my abnormal pap test," were three times as likely to not comply with the recommendations as compared to women who disagreed. There were no statistically significant relationships between compliance and locus of control, Human Papillomavirus diagnosis, or demographic variables.