HIV and hepatitis C knowledge among individuals with serious mental illness.
OBJECTIVE
The present study examines knowledge of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among individuals with serious mental illness.


METHODS
Two hundred and thirty-six people answered questions regarding their knowledge of HIV and HCV.


RESULTS
The total correct score for the set of HIV items (79%) was significantly higher than the total correct score for the set of HCV items (70%). Although the majority of demographic variables were not significantly associated with knowledge, individuals who had been previously screened for HIV answered significantly more HIV and HCV questions accurately.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that there is a specific gap in knowledge about HCV among individuals with serious mental illness, suggesting the need for intervention development to increase disease-related knowledge.
Goldberg
Richard W
RW
University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Psychiatry and Baltimore VA Medical Center, Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. rgoldber@psych.umaryland.edu
Tapscott
Stephanie L
SL
Calmes
Christine A
CA
Wolfe
Rosemarie S
RS
D000328:Adult; D015142:Baltimore; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016485:Needle Sharing / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology