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International Journal of Applied Research
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ISSN Print: 2394-7500, ISSN Online: 2394-5869, CODEN: IJARPF

IMPACT FACTOR (RJIF): 8.4

Vol. 6, Issue 8, Part B (2020)

Psychiatry and HIV: A retrospective study for four years

Psychiatry and HIV: A retrospective study for four years

Author(s)
Dr. Jayanta Kr Das, Dr. Tarulata Saikia and Dr. Jyoti Hazarika
Abstract
There is a complex relationship between HIV infection and psychiatric disorders. Being HIV infected could result in psychiatric disorders as a result of psychological consequence or because of the effect of the virus on the brain. Patients with severe mental illness are thought to be at increased risk of acquiring HIV infection. This could be attributed to several characteristics of certain subgroups of psychiatric patients, including having a substance- related disorder (particularly intravenous drug use), being single or divorced, practicing risky sexual behavior, and having reduced awareness about the modes of transmission of infectious diseases and of relevant protective measures. Aim of the study is to see the prevalence of HIV infection among psychiatric patients and to evaluate the risk factors of acquiring infection. This study retrospectively assessed the seroprevalence of HIV infection among psychiatric patients who were referred for laboratory testing over a period extending from September 2011 to August 2015. A total of 2477 patients were referred for laboratory testing, out of which 06 (0.24%) were found to be seropositive. Out of the 06 cases 04 (66.67%) were found to be having substance- related disorder. 04 patients were diagnosed to be having Schizophrenia and one patient with Unspecified nonorganic psychosis. Risk reduction methods used elsewhere may not be effective among these patients. Severe psychiatric and cognitive impairments affect their ability to adopt new behaviors; extreme social deprivations constrain their options for sex and influence patterns of drug use; and sensitive outreach is required to ensure their participation in any formal program. Though the prevalence of HIV is low among psychiatric patients, still new intervention strategies in this section of the population is needed.
Pages: 101-104  |  516 Views  68 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Dr. Jayanta Kr Das, Dr. Tarulata Saikia, Dr. Jyoti Hazarika. Psychiatry and HIV: A retrospective study for four years. Int J Appl Res 2020;6(8):101-104.
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