Knowledge, attitudes and personal beliefs about HIV and AIDS among mentally ill patients in Soweto, Johannesburg

摘要: Aim. The aim of the study was to determine knowledge, attitudes and personal beliefs regarding HIV AIDS in a group mentally ill patients attending outpatient clinics Soweto, Johannesburg. Method. All four randomly chosen Soweto were invited complete self-administered questionnaire after obtaining informed written consent. 63-item questionnaire, developed from others specifically for this study, included questions on socio-demographic clinical characteristics; knowledge how is acquired spread; AIDS; condom usage. statements sections used calculate composite score, which if greater than or equal 75% defined as ‘adequate knowledge’. Results. A total 1 151 with mental illness participated study. mean age 41.9 years (standard deviation 11.6) majority males (50%); single (55%), had achieved only secondary level education (53.3%). Overall, most population did not believe myths surrounding spread acquisition AIDS. There however, significant associations between low belief that mosquito bites (odds ratio (OR) 1.61; 95% CI 1.19 - 2.18; p=0.002) through masturbation body rubbing (OR 1.76; 1.34 2.33; p=0.000). Although more 90% aware facts HIV, approximately 40% one could acquire sexual encounter. scoring showed less half adequate HIV/AIDS. This significantly associated gender education: females 1.6 times (p<0.0004) Grade 8 higher 1.5 knowledgeable (p=0.002). Conclusion. Among there both lack about aspects some disease, especially among older, educated patients. It imperative targeted strategy be vulnerable group, taking into cognisance their inherent lower cognitive impairment illness, educate them all improve access services.