Negative symptoms and HIV/AIDS risk-behavior knowledge in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia sufferers have been demonstrated to have relatively poor HIV/AIDS risk-behavior knowledge and, as a group, are found to be particularly vulnerable to contracting HIV. The authors asked whether an association could be demonstrated between specific symptoms and differing levels of knowledge. A structured clinical interview and HIV/AIDS Risk Questionnaires were administered to 102 subjects, and a principal-component analysis was performed for global and individual items, followed by comparisons between factors. Three factors (negative, positive, and global thought-disorder) emerged as significant between poor HIV/AIDS risk-behavior knowledge and higher negative-symptom scores. Findings support the notion that existing educational programs should be adapted to target specific areas of deficit.
Koen
Liezl
L
Ngaphakathi Workgroup, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa. psych@worldonline.co.za
Uys
Susan
S
Niehaus
Dana J H
DJ
Emsley
Robin A
RA
D000293:Adolescent; D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012725:Sexual Behavior