Negative symptoms and HIV/AIDS risk-behavior knowledge in schizophrenia

Psychosomatics. 2007 Mar-Apr;48(2):128-34. doi: 10.1176/appi.psy.48.2.128.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Aged
  • Cognition Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenic Psychology*
  • Sexual Behavior*