Prevalence of HIV risk factors for individuals examined in clinical forensic medicine.
OBJECTIVE
to identify the prevalence of high-risk factors for infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in individuals examined in clinical forensic medical practice and to determine opinions and attitudes about HIV in this patient group.


METHODS
Anonymised questionnaire completed by consecutive individuals seen in clinical forensic medical practice.


METHODS
Police stations in London attended by Group IV forensic medical examiners.


METHODS
518 individuals examined in police stations (including prisoners and suspects, those detained in police custody, police officers and victims of crime).


RESULTS
164 (31.7%) individuals did not respond to the questionnaire because of: 1) refusal (12.6%) 2) inability because of drugs and/or alcohol (11.4%) 3) mental illness/disorder (4.2%) or 4) language difficulties (3.5%). 28.4% of the respondents were in at least one of the 'high-risk' categories for HIV infection. 26.5% were intravenous drug misusers; 15% were prostitutes; 9.8% (or their sexual partners) had lived in Central or East Africa since 1977; 5.9% were male homosexuals and 0.5% were haemophiliacs. 5.1% were infected with HIV or had Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Only 28.8% of individuals always used condoms in short-term sexual relationships. 44.4% of respondents believed that everyone should be tested for HIV.


CONCLUSIONS
Over one-quarter of the respondents were in higher-risk groups for infection with HIV. Almost one-third could or would not respond. It is concluded that it is not possible to identify by questionnaire, individuals at higher risk of HIV infection in forensic medical practice. This reinforces the necessity of observing good clinical practice to reduce contamination risks in this work environment. It is clear that education about risks for HIV infection is still much needed.
Payne-James
J J
JJ
Forensic Medical Research Group, PO Box 3525, Victoria Park, London E9 7UB, UK.
Keys
D W
DW
Wall
I
I
Dean
P J
PJ