Robert Malow, PhD, Jessy Devieux, PhD, Michele Jean-Gilles, PhD, Brenda Lerner, PhD, and Deanne Samuels, PhD. College of Health and Urban Affairs/ AIDS Prevention Program, Florida International University, 3000 N.E. 151 Street, ACI-260, North Miami, FL 33181, 305-919-4200, malowr@fiu.edu

Background: Persons with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) and substance dependence may be at increased risk for HIV infection due to several factors including vulnerability to coercion and exploitation, sexual impulsivity, and lack of knowledge about HIV transmission. Estimates of the prevalence of HIV in this population range from 4-23%. Methods: Two hundred and twenty-three participants attending day and residential mental health treatment at eight inner city programs were recruited for this study. Measures assessed demographics, abuse, HIV transmission risk, and sexual risk behavior. A risk composite score was derived from eight dichotomous items that assessed presence or absence of HIV risk behaviors. Hierarchical regression analyses with the risk composite index as the dependent variable were conducted. Results: The most frequent risk behavior for men and women was the number of partners greater than one over the past three months. The average number of risk factors per participant was 1.54 (SD=1.38). Demographics, abuse history, substance use and cognitive-behavioral factors predicted engagement in risk behaviors. Conclusions: SMI adults have been shown to have rates of abuse significantly greater than the general population. In addition, the association between abuse history and HIV has been documented in the general population. The significant relationship between childhood abuse and substance abuse with mental illness in this sample argues for a need for interventions which address these needs in a proactive manner. Furthermore, there is a need to develop effective screening and intervention protocols for this population.

Learning Objectives:

• To show that severely mentally ill adults have rates of abuse significantly greater than the general population and that there is an association between abuse history and HIV risk behavior. This points to a need for interventions to address this population.

Keywords: Sever Mental Illness, Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.