Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Psychological distress symptoms of individuals seeking HIV-related psychosocial support in western Kenya
- Authors:
- REECE M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- AIDS Care, 19(10), November 2007, pp.1194-1200.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
While researchers in many western countries have documented the nature of psychological distress that is commonly present among individuals living with HIV, there has been virtually no research on the same topic among other high prevalence areas of the world, particularly in countries like Kenya. This study sought to document the nature of psychological distress among 397 individuals living with HIV in western Kenya and who were participating in psychosocial support groups in conjunction with their enrolment in HIV-related treatment. Psychological distress was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), a 53-item self-report psychological inventory that asks individuals to recall symptoms experienced in the prior seven days. The levels of psychological distress in this sample were moderate with a substantial proportion of participants meeting the criteria that suggested a need for further psychiatric evaluation. Findings support the need for further assessments of the range and nature of psychological distress among the diverse communities of countries like Kenya and the need for greater attention to the inclusion of mental health services in the rapidly developing treatment and prevention programs in this region of the world.
Psychiatric morbidity in HIV-infected children
- Authors:
- RAO R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- AIDS Care, 19(6), July 2007, pp.828-833.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
After the introduction of antiretroviral therapy, HIV infection in children has been transformed from an acute to a chronic illness. The number of HIV-infected children has also increased in recent years. The routes of transmission and clinical manifestation of HIV infection in children are unique and different from those of adults. There are a number of biological, psychological and social factors associated with HIV-infected child that may predispose him/her to develop psychiatric illness. However, there are very few studies on psychiatric morbidity in HIV-infected children. In the existing studies, a number of psychiatric illnesses including: depression, anxiety, disruptive disorders and hyperactive disorders have been observed in HIV-infected children. A number of variables have a bearing on psychiatric morbidity, including experience and expression of physical illness as well as adherence to medications. The physician dealing with HIV-infected children should be aware of the psychological manifestations so that appropriate interventions and referral may be made as needed.
Sexuality and social work
- Authors:
- BYWATER Julie, JONES Rhiannon
- Publisher:
- Learning Matters
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 158p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Exeter
Sexuality remains a neglected and largely taboo area within practice, but it can be a demanding aspect of social work. Social workers may be familiar with the importance of issues such as racism and ethnicity, but sexuality is also a very significant part of people's lives, closest relationships and sense of identity. This valuable resource introduces the topic, using a combination of perspectives to consider sexual diversity and examining related issues across the life-course, including sexual orientation, disability, HIV, sexual abuse, mental health and sexual exploitation. It also includes recent legislation which has significant implications for social work practice.
Factors associated with prevalence of mental disorder in people living with HIV/AIDS in South Africa
- Authors:
- FREEMAN M., et al
- Journal article citation:
- AIDS Care, 19(10), November 2007, pp.1201-1209.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The study examines the association between the presence of mental disorder and a range of independent variables. A sample of 900 HIV-positive individuals was administered the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to determine the presence of selected mental disorders. A structured interview assessed support received and factors that may contribute to mental disorder. Overall prevalence of mental disorder was 43.7% - though higher in Stage 3 (49.7%) and in Stage 4 (68%) of the disease. Eighteen percent of respondents were receiving antiretroviral treatment. Having had pre- and post-test counselling was not related to mental disorder; nor were the number of sessions, the professional status of the counsellor and perceived helpfulness of counselling. Being in an HIV support group was related to presence of a mental disorder, although the frequency of attendance was not. Although most of those who disclosed their HIV status found the experience helpful there was a significant positive association between presence of a mental disorder and having disclosed HIV-positive status. Although being a member of an association for people with HIV/AIDS and being religious was perceived as helpful, neither was statistically associated with the presence of mental disorder. Discrimination by community and family and isolation were related to mental disorder. Death of a significant other due to AIDS was related to mental disorder. The findings suggest a strong need for provision of psychiatric care as part of AIDS care as well as strengthening of support services.
Gay men's health
- Author:
- FISH Julie
- Publisher:
- Great Britain. Department of Health
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 7p.
- Place of publication:
- London
Research on gay men’s health has often focused on sexual health and HIV prevention to the exclusion of their wider health needs. Gay men’s health concerns include issues common to all men, such as cancers (testicular, anal and prostate) and erectile dysfunction. Gay men may have higher rates of drug, tobacco and alcohol use, which may increase their risk of lung and liver cancer. They may be more susceptible to eating disorders and have higher rates of mental health problems.
Targeted ethnography as a critical step to inform cultural adaptations of HIV prevention interventions for adults with severe mental illness
- Authors:
- WAINBERG Milton L., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Social Science and Medicine, 65(2), July 2007, pp.296-308.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
As in other countries worldwide, adults with severe mental illness (SMI) in Brazil are disproportionately infected with HIV relative to the general population. Brazilian psychiatric facilities lack tested HIV prevention interventions. To adapt existing interventions, developed only in the US, the authors conducted targeted ethnography with adults with SMI and staff from two psychiatric institutions in Brazil. The authors sought to characterize individual, institutional, and interpersonal factors that may affect HIV risk behaviour in this population. The authors conducted 350 hours of ethnographic field observations in two mental health service settings in Rio de Janeiro, and 9 focus groups (n=72) and 16 key-informant interviews with patients and staff in these settings. Data comprised field notes and audiotapes of all exchanges, which were transcribed, coded, and systematically analyzed. The ethnography identified and/or characterized the institutional culture: (1) patients’ risk behaviours; (2) the institutional setting; (3) intervention content; and (4) intervention format and delivery strategies. Targeted ethnography also illuminated broader contextual issues for development and implementation of HIV prevention interventions for adults with SMI in Brazil, including an institutional culture that did not systematically address patients’ sexual behaviour, sexual health, or HIV sexual risk, yet strongly impacted the structure of patients’ sexual networks. Further, ethnography identified the Brazilian concept of “social responsibility” as important to prevention work with psychiatric patients. Targeted ethnography with adults with SMI and institutional staff provided information critical to the adaptation of tested US HIV prevention interventions for Brazilians with SMI.
HIV: issues with mental health and illness
- Editors:
- BLANK Michael B., EISENBERG Marlene M., (eds.)
- Publisher:
- Haworth Press
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 161p.
- Place of publication:
- Binghamton, NY
HIV: Issues with Mental Health and Illness is an examination of the co-morbidity that exists between HIV/AIDS and mental illness. Internationally recognized experts in the field analyze the latest research on why HIV sufferers are at risk of developing mental illness and how people who suffer from mental illness risk contracting HIV through sexual behaviour and substance abuse. This unique book focuses on clinical and diagnostic issues, the organization of service delivery systems, and community-based interventions. The book presents contributions from physicians, sociologists, nurses, social workers, and psychologists working to develop a plan to reduce the number of persons affected by the epidemic, and to improve the quality of life of those already HIV infected. Aimed at promoting a new era in mental health and prevention science, the book examines vital issues including: the interplay between depression, HIV, and chronic fatigue; condom use among adolescents with psychiatric disorders; predicting HIV risk and how targeted intervention can address multiple health risks; how an increase in emotional stress can affect African-American women concerned about becoming HIV infected; STI risk reduction strategies; how client gender can affect mental health care service delivery; and the implementation of intervention programs as part of supported housing programs.
A mediation model to explain HIV antiretroviral adherence among gay and bisexual men
- Authors:
- HALKITIS Perry N., PALAMAR Joseph
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gay and Lesbian Social Services, 19(1), 2007, pp.35-55.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Data on a sample of 300 HIV positive gay and bisexual men from New York City are used in this study, which employs structural equation modelling to examine interactions between the following variables: socioeconomic status (SES), including health care provision; psychological state; drug use impairment; and HIV treatment adherence. The results show a complex set of inter-relationships. Adherence is directly linked to drug use impairment and SES (a relationship shown in other studies), while drug use is predicted by psychological state (a new finding). To maximise the chances of treatment adherence, therefore, clinicians need to develop a clear understanding of the patient’s socioeconomic state, drug using behaviour and psychological state. (Copies of this article are available from: Haworth Document Delivery Centre, Haworth Press Inc., 10 Alice Street, Binghamton, NY 13904-1580).
A model of integrated primary care for HIV-positive patients with underlying substance use and mental illness
- Authors:
- ZALLER N., GILLANI F.S., RICH J.D.
- Journal article citation:
- AIDS Care, 19(9), October 2007, pp.1128-1133.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
There is a high burden of underlying substance use and mental illness in HIV-infected populations. HIV-care settings provide an important opportunity to assess substance and mental health needs among HIV-positive patients and to provide or make referrals for appropriate treatment services. In 2003, with funding from the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), a model of integrated substance-use counselling and referral for treatment was developed within a primary care HIV-care setting at The Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. The project uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide linkage to treatment services for substance use and mental illness as well as to help participants with social service needs, such as housing and medical coverage, to ensure continuity of care and optimal HIV treatment adherence. Twelve percent of the 965 HIV-infected patients in care at the center have been enrolled in the project. Of these, all have a current substance-use disorder and 79.3% have been diagnosed with a mental illness. In addition, most participants are hepatitis C-positive (HCV) (65.5%). The majority of participants are on antiretroviral therapy (76.7%). Participants have been referred for the following treatment modalities: intensive outpatient services, methadone, buprenorphine, outpatient services and residential as well as individual and group counselling. The model has been successful in assessing the substance-use and mental health needs of HIV-infected individuals with numerous co-morbidities and referring them for ancillary medical and social services.
An integrated, multidimensional treatment model for individuals living with HIV, mental illness, and substance misuse
- Authors:
- BOUIS Stephanie, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Work, 32(4), November 2007, pp.268-278.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
The challenge of providing effective treatment services for the growing population of HIV-positive individuals who are also dually diagnosed with substance use and mental disorders has only recently been recognized as an important public health concern affecting both HIV treatment and prevention. This article describes a treatment model that was created for a study of integrated treatment for HIV-positive individuals with substance use and mental disorders. The treatment model was based on the transtheoretical model of behaviour change as well as evidence-based practices that are widely used in the treatment of individuals dually diagnosed with substance use and mental disorders. The model involved collaboration between medical and behavioural health care professionals and emphasized the importance of goal reinforcement across disciplines. Furthermore, it included the development and enhancement of client motivation to modify medical and behavioural health-risk behaviours using individual readiness for change and offered comprehensive care addressing a continuum of client needs that may influence treatment outcomes. Treatment modalities included individual therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric medication management. This treatment intervention was associated with positive outcomes in the integrated treatment study and can be adapted for use in a variety of psychiatric or medical treatment settings.