Perceived Changes in Body Build and Image in Patients Who Are Now Taking or Recently Have Stopped Taking Anti-HIV Drugs

Patients may be eligible for this study if they:

• Are 18 years or older.
• Are HIV-positive.
• Are experiencing at least 1 of the following symptoms associated with fat changes due to HIV: 1) increase in belt or waist size; 2) increase in size of back of neck; 3) increase in bra, shirt, or blouse size to fit increasing breast size; 4) fat increase in other areas of the body; 5) loss of facial fat; 6) loss of fat in arms or legs; 7) loss of fat in buttocks.
• Agree to protect the confidentiality of other focus group participants.
• Are able to speak and read English.
• Have taken 2 or more anti-HIV medications for a total of at least 6 months at any time before entering this study. Patients must have taken some anti-HIV treatment during the 6-month period before study entry. Patients who have stopped taking these medications in the 6 months before study entry may still be eligible.
• Are willing to talk about personal topics in a taped group interview.
• Are male and either gay or bisexual (if enrolling in the Ohio State University or University of California focus groups).
• Are either female or heterosexual male (if enrolling in the University of Pennsylvania or Johns Hopkins University focus groups).

Exclusion Criteria

Patients will not be eligible for this study if they:

• Have a mental disability that, in the opinion of the researcher, could interfere with study participation.
• Have already taken part in an A5089 focus group interview.
• Have diabetes or Cushing's disease or have had surgery that might otherwise explain changes in body fat.
• Have changes in diet or physical activity that might explain changes in body fat.
• Have been on glucocorticoid therapy for a long time.
• Are pregnant.