Improving Knowledge about HIV and AIDS Among Persons with a Severe Mental Illness in India

Numerous studies conducted in developed countries demonstrate that persons living with a with severe mental illness (SMI) are at elevated risk for HIV infection. Fewer studies have addressed this topic in the developing world, and no study has evaluated the effects of a risk reduction intervention. Because risk reduction requires adequate knowledge regarding HIV-related transmission and prevention strategies, the current study sampled patients diagnosed with SMI in India and assessed (a) knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, and (b) short-term retention of knowledge following HIV risk reduction education. Patients were assessed for HIV knowledge at baseline, received an HIV educational program, and then were re-assessed for their knowledge one and five days later. The results indicated a poor level of baseline knowledge, which improved following education; knowledge gains were sustained at five days. Men, and patients with college education, demonstrated better knowledge. However, significant gains in knowledge were observed among all patients regardless of gender, education, psychiatric diagnosis, and prior sexual risk behavior. The findings indicate that a brief, HIV-focused educational intervention can help to improve knowledge among Indian psychiatric patients.