In:
South African Journal of Psychiatry, AOSIS, Vol. 10, No. 1 ( 2004-04-01), p. 4-
Abstract:
Background. Although there is growing literature on the psy- chological responses to and the psychopathology associated with HIV/AIDS, few investigations have focused on the role of gender. This study compared psychiatric morbidity, coping responses, and disability in male and female outpatients recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.Method. One hundred and forty-nine patients (44 male, 105 female) with HIV/AIDS (mean ± standard deviation (SD) months since diagnosis 5.8 ± 4.1) attending an infectious dis- eases clinic at Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, were evaluat- ed. Subjects were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Carver Brief COPE, and the Sheehan Disability Scale. In addition, negative life events and risk behaviours were evaluated.Results. Fifty-six per cent of patients were diagnosed with a psy- chiatric disorder, most commonly major depression (34.9%), dysthymic disorder (21.5%), post-traumatic stress disorder (14.8%), and alcohol dependence (10.1%). There were no significant gender differences in the prevalence of mood disor- ders in the sample. Men, however, were more likely than women to meet diagnostic criteria for alcohol abuse or depen- dence, and to engage in certain risky sexual behaviours. Women were more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress dis- order, and to use coping strategies of planning and religion to deal with the illness. There were no significant gender differ- ences in disability.Conclusion. Psychiatric disorders are common in recently diag- nosed HIV/AIDS patients in South Africa. Clinicians should be aware of the high prevalence of mood disorders in both men and women, and of gender-different responses such as increased alcohol and substance use and more risky sexual behaviour in men.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2078-6786
,
1608-9685
DOI:
10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v10i1.119
Language:
Unknown
Publisher:
AOSIS
Publication Date:
2004
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2259991-5
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