Faculty Collaboration Database

AIDS/HIV risk behavior among the chronic mentally ill. Am J Psychiatry 1992 Jul;149(7):886-9

Date

07/01/1992

Pubmed ID

1609866

DOI

10.1176/ajp.149.7.886

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0026653396 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   188 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There is growing concern that chronic mentally ill adults living in the community have a high risk for HIV infection. The purpose of this study was to identify risk knowledge, high-risk behaviors, and risk-related encounters of chronic psychiatric outpatients.

METHOD: Detailed information on high-risk behaviors and risk-related situations during the past 12 months was collected from 60 outpatients appearing for regular visits at inner-city community mental health clinics.

RESULTS: Of the 60 outpatients, 37 (62%) had been sexually active during the past year, and 42% of the men and 19% of the women reported multiple sexual contacts and infrequent use of condoms during intercourse. Assessments of the patients' knowledge of AIDS risks revealed substantial deficits in their practical understanding of AIDS and risk reduction measures. Although use of intravenous drugs was uncommon in this group, many subjects reported histories of 1) trading sex for money, drugs, or a place to stay, 2) coercion to engage in unwanted sex, 3) causal sexual encounters, and 4) sexual activity after use of drugs or intoxicants. Twenty percent of the subjects had met their sexual partners on the streets, in parks, or in other public places. One-third had been treated for sexually transmitted diseases other than AIDS.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the need for AIDS risk assessment, counseling, and prevention programs for the chronic mentally ill.

Author List

Kelly JA, Murphy DA, Bahr GR, Brasfield TL, Davis DR, Hauth AC, Morgan MG, Stevenson LY, Eilers MK

Authors

Allan C. Hauth Research Scientist II in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jeffrey A. Kelly PhD Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Adult
Age Factors
Ambulatory Care
Attitude to Health
Chronic Disease
Community Mental Health Centers
Contraceptive Devices, Male
Educational Status
Female
HIV Infections
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders
Risk-Taking
Sex Factors
Sexual Behavior
Substance-Related Disorders