title: HIV-related risk behaviors among psychiatric inpatients in India.
abstract: The study explored patterns of risk behavior and knowledge about HIV and AIDS among patients in an inpatient psychiatric facility in south India. Fifty-nine consecutive patients admitted to a state psychiatric hospital were interviewed using a semistructured questionnaire. Fifty-one percent had a history of recent risk behavior, and 86 percent had inadequate knowledge about AIDS. The most common high-risk behavior was unprotected heterosexual intercourse with a high-risk partner. There was no correlation between knowledge and high-risk behavior. The findings underscore the need to specifically tailor intervention programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Chopra
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Eranti
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Chandra
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D000328:Adult; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010865:Pilot Projects