In-depth interviews were conducted with 44 asymptomatic HIVpositive men infected through homosexual relations or medical treatment for haemophilia. The objective was to better understand interrelations between: the consequences of infection on everyday life; the meanings given to being HIV-pwsitive; and the reconstruction of identities. The consequences for everyday life are examined in relation to: the importance of keeping one's immune status secret; self-imposed restraints and the constraints ensuing from the immune status; and the resources interviewees tapped to cope with their new situation. The meanings given to infection arose as these men reinterpreted their individual and collective pasts. This biographical reconstruction reinforced components of identity that, prior to HIV-infection, had been built around haemophilia or homosexuality. This is what is called biographical reinforcement, a notion developed in relation to biographical disruption.

Over the last quarter of a century, research on the illness experience has thrived. Publications on this subject are reviewed in relation to three themes: subjectivity; coping actions and strategies for managing everyday life; and the social structure.Sociology of Health and Illness has contributed significantly to this field. In conclusion, research perspectives are suggested for tackling the problems in passing from a micro to a macro level of analysis.

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For each strategy the following points were addressed: the information to be given to the consultee, the procedure and the indications. In addition, the committee's opinion about BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation screening is that population-based, or even large-scale, implementation are not justified. Although no scientific evidence is available, the committee feels that specific management is indispensable and advocates the use of defined and evaluated procedures, and participation in clinical trials.

This study investigated patterns of HIV disclosure to significant others (parents, siblings, children, other relatives, friends and colleagues) and describe them in terms of socio-demographic background and other characteristics, including experiences of AIDS-related discrimination. It also assessed the relationship between disclosure patterns and adherence to HAART. We used a cross-sectional survey conducted among a national representative sample of 2,932 HIV-infected people recruited in French hospitals. HIV disclosure patterns were both selective and cumulative: disclosure was more frequent for friends and siblings, while concealment prevailed concerning children, other relatives, and colleagues; but patients who disclosed their seropositivity to one significant other were also more likely to disclose it to other significant others. Patients reporting experiences of discrimination from sexual partners were less likely to be highly adherent, and we also found a significant relationship between uncontrolled disclosure and non-adherence. Patients who have opted for concealment probably consider non-adherence and uncontrolled disclosure as competing risks, but among them a significant minority loses on both counts. Counselling provided to HIV-infected people should not separate the adherence and disclosure issues, and adherence interventions should seek to help patients to manage concurrently disclosure/concealment of their seropositivity and its consequences.

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