L Grassi1, M Pavanati, R Cardelli, S Ferri, L Peron. 1. Department of Medical Sciences of Communication and Behaviour, University of Ferrara and S. Anna Hospital, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Recent literature has demonstrated that psychiatric patients, particularly those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, may be at high risk for HIV infection. In fact, HIV-risk behaviour, such as intravenous drug with sharing needles, promiscuity associated with unprotected sex and high-risk sexual activity after using drugs has been reported by a substantial proportion of mentally ill patients. METHODS: In order to examine this problem in Italy, HIV-risk taking behaviour and knowledge about HIV/AIDS was investigated among 91 schizophrenic patients by using two self-report questionnaires (HIV-Risk Behaviour Questionnaire; AIDS-Risk Behaviour Knowledge Test). RESULTS: One-third of the patients reported having been tested for HIV infection and one tested seropositive (prevalence 3.4%). A high proportion of patients reported HIV-risk behaviour, such as injected drugs use (22.4%) and engaging in high risk sexual activity (e.g. multiple partners, 58%; prostitutes, 45%; occasional partners, 37%). Condoms were 'never used' by 41% of the patients and 'almost never used' by another 25%. In spite of these behaviours, 65% reported no concern of HIV infection. Knowledge about AIDS was lower among psychiatric patients than a healthy control group. Patients with long-lasting illness and numerous psychiatric admissions were less acknowledgeable about HIV infection. Certain misconceptions on HIV transmission were related to HIV risk behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the urgent need for HIV educational programmes within mental health community-care settings.
BACKGROUND: Recent literature has demonstrated that psychiatricpatients, particularly those with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, may be at high risk for HIV infection. In fact, HIV-risk behaviour, such as intravenous drug with sharing needles, promiscuity associated with unprotected sex and high-risk sexual activity after using drugs has been reported by a substantial proportion of mentally illpatients. METHODS: In order to examine this problem in Italy, HIV-risk taking behaviour and knowledge about HIV/AIDS was investigated among 91 schizophrenicpatients by using two self-report questionnaires (HIV-Risk Behaviour Questionnaire; AIDS-Risk Behaviour Knowledge Test). RESULTS: One-third of the patients reported having been tested for HIV infection and one tested seropositive (prevalence 3.4%). A high proportion of patients reported HIV-risk behaviour, such as injected drugs use (22.4%) and engaging in high risk sexual activity (e.g. multiple partners, 58%; prostitutes, 45%; occasional partners, 37%). Condoms were 'never used' by 41% of the patients and 'almost never used' by another 25%. In spite of these behaviours, 65% reported no concern of HIV infection. Knowledge about AIDS was lower among psychiatricpatients than a healthy control group. Patients with long-lasting illness and numerous psychiatric admissions were less acknowledgeable about HIV infection. Certain misconceptions on HIV transmission were related to HIV risk behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate the urgent need for HIV educational programmes within mental health community-care settings.
Authors: Marc DE Hert; Christoph U Correll; Julio Bobes; Marcelo Cetkovich-Bakmas; Dan Cohen; Itsuo Asai; Johan Detraux; Shiv Gautam; Hans-Jurgen Möller; David M Ndetei; John W Newcomer; Richard Uwakwe; Stefan Leucht Journal: World Psychiatry Date: 2011-02 Impact factor: 49.548
Authors: Bret Kloos; Steven M Gross; Katharine J Meese; Christina S Meade; Jhan D Doughty; Dietra D Hawkins; Susan O Zimmerman; David L Snow; Kathleen J Sikkema Journal: Am J Community Psychol Date: 2005-12