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Perspectives towards mental illness in people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa
- Authors:
- SORSDAHL Katherine R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- AIDS Care, 22(11), November 2010, pp.1418-1427.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
A sample of 400 HIV positive subjects (78.5% female) attending three health clinics in Cape Town participated in the study. Each participant was presented with two vignettes depicting DSM-IV symptoms of depression, post-traumatic-stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse disorders, and schizophrenia and then completed a questionnaire to assess their mental health literacy and attitudes towards the psychiatric disorders. Only 23% of the respondents reported that the case study presented to them was typical of a mental illness, 11% believed that the descriptions were of someone with a ‘normal response’. Most respondents (86%) reported that the behaviour described in the vignettes was typical of a weak character. Psychiatric disorders were viewed as stress-related 70-91% of the time. Seeking help from a medical professional was often endorsed as an effective treatment option, while taking medication was rarely endorsed. The participants held negative attitudes towards people with psychiatric disorders. People with substance abuse and PTSD were stigmatised more than those with depression or schizophrenia. The authors conclude that the findings suggest that there is a need to increase access to mental health information and services to South Africans with HIV. Interventions to increase mental health literacy and reduce stigma associated with psychiatric disorders may increase the likelihood of PLWHA seeking treatment should they suffer from these conditions.