Author:
GRASSI L.,PAVANATI M.,CARDELLI R.,FERRI S.,PERON L.
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.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Applied Psychology
Cited by
37 articles.
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