HIV risk behaviour among psychiatric inpatients: results from a hospital-wide screening study in southern India

The study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviour among psychiatric inpatients in India. Consecutive inpatients (n = 618) were assessed using a structured interview and standardized measures. Women were more likely to be sexually active (50%) than men (3...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of STD & AIDS 2003-08, Vol.14 (8), p.532-538
Main Authors: CHANDRA, Prabha S, CAREY, Michael P, CAREY, Kate B, PRASADA RAO, P. S. D. V, JAIRAM, K. R, THOMAS, Tinku
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
AIDS/HIV
Biological and medical sciences
Female
Health Surveys
HIV Infections - epidemiology
HIV Infections - prevention & control
Hospitals, Psychiatric
Hospitals, Teaching
Human viral diseases
Humans
India - epidemiology
Infectious diseases
Inpatients
Male
Medical sciences
Mental Disorders - complications
Middle Aged
Risk-Taking
Sexual Behavior
Viral diseases
Viral diseases of the lymphoid tissue and the blood. Aids
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Summary:The study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviour among psychiatric inpatients in India. Consecutive inpatients (n = 618) were assessed using a structured interview and standardized measures. Women were more likely to be sexually active (50%) than men (36%), but equally likely (6% vs 5%) to engage in risky behaviour. Common risk behaviours included having a risky partner, having multiple partners, and exchanging money for sex. Being sexually active was associated with younger age, being married, being diagnosed with a disorder other than schizophrenia, and a history of drug use problems. Engaging in risky sexual behaviour was associated with being male, using tobacco and screening positive for either drug use or alcohol problems. Screening psychiatric patients for HIV risk behaviour can identify those who may benefit from risk reduction programmes.
ISSN:0956-4624
1758-1052
DOI:10.1258/095646203767869147