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AIDS/HIV risk behavior among the chronic mentally ill
J A Kelly1, D A Murphy, G R Bahr
1Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Chronic psychiatric outpatients exhibit significant deficits in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk knowledge and engage in high-risk behaviors. Targeted prevention programs are crucial for this vulnerable population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Growing concern exists regarding the elevated risk of HIV infection among community-dwelling adults with chronic mental illness.
- Understanding risk factors is essential for developing effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk knowledge, high-risk behaviors, and risk-related encounters among chronic psychiatric outpatients.
- To inform the development of targeted prevention strategies for this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 outpatients from inner-city community mental health clinics.
- Data were collected on high-risk behaviors and situations within the past 12 months.
Main Results:
- 62% were sexually active; 42% of men and 19% of women reported multiple sexual partners and infrequent condom use.
- Significant deficits in understanding AIDS risks and prevention measures were observed.
- High-risk behaviors included trading sex for necessities, coercion, casual encounters, and sex after substance use; 20% met partners in public places. One-third had prior sexually transmitted disease (STD) treatment.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the urgent need for AIDS risk assessment and prevention programs tailored to individuals with chronic mental illness.
- Effective counseling and intervention strategies are essential to mitigate HIV transmission risks in this demographic.