Prevalence and correlates of human immunodeficiency virus testing and posttest counseling among outpatients with serious mental illness.
This study examined the prevalence and correlates of receipt of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, test results, and posttest counseling among outpatients with serious mental illness at 3 public-sector facilities in Connecticut (N = 487). A substantial proportion (41.9%) reported never having been tested for HIV, including fully one-third of those who were "very afraid" of getting acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Independent correlates of HIV testing included younger age, felony criminal history, stronger therapeutic alliance with one's primary clinician, and increased drug problems and psychological distress. Of those tested, nearly all (96.5%) reported receiving the test results; however, only half (50.5%) reported receiving any posttest counseling. Independent correlates of posttest counseling included higher educational level, felony criminal history, and receipt of community-based case management services. Greater efforts are needed to increase HIV testing and counseling among persons with serious mental illness to better identify and care for HIV-positive individuals and potentially reduce future transmission of the virus in this vulnerable, at-risk population.
Desai
Mayur M
MM
Northeast Program Evaluation Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA. mayur.desai@yale.edu
Rosenheck
Robert A
RA
Desai
Rani A
RA
D015492:AIDS Serodiagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001294:Attitude to Health; D019090:Case Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015897:Comorbidity; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D006678:HIV / Q000276:immunology; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D015483:HIV Antibodies