HIV INFECTION RATES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN HIGH RISK PATIENTS ADMITTED TO A PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

摘要: We investigated the rate of HIV infection in patients at St Ann's psychiatric hospital Trinidad and Tobago, identified demographic clinical variables associated with infection. Patients admitted to were tested for when details their sexual history suggested that they might be high risk examined records 1991-1995 period. During time a total 1,227 tested, whom 84 (6.9%) confirmed positive HIV. Since there was 11,203 admissions over period, minimum all 0.75%. Among high-risk group being age (p = 0.01) ethnicity 0.003). The highest rates 15-44-year while African mixed higher than East Indians. When underlying diagnoses examined, found substance abuse problems, especially those who abused cocaine < 0.001). VDRL reactive also more likely other These findings indicate are greater average Mental health specialists may need trained counselling facilitate preventive intervention this group.