Seventy-five HIV+ people completed surveys rating the content and format of Living Positive—a 100 page practical manual for living with HIV disease. "Congratulations on a very important information source," said one respondent. "Many people who are, or become newly infected, will find enormous relief and extremely pertinent answers to the questions we’ve all had."

The ages of respondents ranged from 25 to 76 years old, 13% were women and the balance men. The average age of female respondents was 41 years old, a bit younger than male respondents, at 44. Overall, respondents were very satisfied with the content of the publication. In particular, the sections concerned with nutrition, housing, and staying healthy topped the list in popularity. "This is the first time I’ve found a definitive nutritional supplemental regime and how it can work with medications," said a male respondent in his late thirties. 95% of respondents said they could find information easily, 96% said the writing was clear, and 84% indicated they found the information accurate.

"Living Positive should be compulsory reading, in medical schools from Alaska to Florida and from Newfoundland to Puerto Vallarta," said one respondent who worked for many years in the health care field. Another female respondent added that "this publication is one of, if not the most factual, informative and helpful (emotionally) to those of us whose families do not understand how this could happen in "their" family.

A significant number of HIV+ people said their understanding of treatment information improved, they felt they could live a more healthy life, and cope better emotionally after reading the publication.

However, the information that some HIV+ people found useful, others did not. Older respondents remarked that they already knew a lot of the information, acknowledging that the publication may be more useful for those newly infected with HIV. "This is an excellent publication. If intended as a simple primary study, it’s fulfilling. I am more well read personally, but others may not be. This will help others," said a man in his mid-forties. In general, those over 39 years of age tended to find the information about social supports and the medical glossary more valuable. Younger readers were more likely to favor information about human rights, helping their doctors, treatment issues, and relationships. Over 75% of respondents of all ages found sections concerned with housing, nutrition, and treatment issues worthy of inclusion in future editions.

Two respondents were very critical in their assessment of Living Positive. "Overall, I feel this publication only duplicates information available elsewhere. BCPWA should not waste scarce financial resources re-inventing the wheel," said one. Another, who gave high ratings to the publication, also felt compelled to explain that "HIV and AIDS is going to inflict the whole world very soon. It is God’s wrath!"

From a gender analysis, women tended to be more interested finding out about how to help their doctor, reduce stress, and deal with women-specific treatment issues. Men wanted to know about money and working, relationships, community resources, and disclosure of HIV status, than women did. Overall, two-thirds of both men and women said the balance of the manual should be included in a future edition.