We report on the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among severely mentally ill males in a shelter for homeless men in a southeastern metropolis. We studied the records of all 100 men discharged from the shelter mental health program to community housing over an 18 month period. HIV serostatus was recorded for 75 of the 100 men. Of these 75, 14 (18.6%) were positive. There were 25 men whose serostatus was not recorded. Information on the HIV risk behaviors of these 25 men suggested that seroprevalence could have been equally high among them. The findings suggest an urgent need to develop and apply preventive interventions for HIV in this population.
Learning Objectives: Following this presentation, participants will be able to: (1) discuss the prevalence of HIV infection among homeless males, (2) discuss the prevalence of mental illness among homeless males, and (3) describe alternative prevention education interventions targeting homeless mentally ill.
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Homeless
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.