The HIV Seroprevalence Among a Psychiatric in-Patient Population in Zambia

Kankinza, Njinga

Background: In most low and middle income countries, outdated legislation and policies, inadequate infrastructure, drug supply, human resource and funding are some of the countless disparities that continue to threaten mental health: an essential part of public health. Despite efforts to prioritize and integrate it into public health, there are still gaps. One area is that of mental health and HIV/AIDS. The two reinforce and amplify one another. Cognitive impairments, affective disorders, psychosis are some complications faced by some individuals living with HIV. Whereas individuals with mental illness are more at risk of HIV infection due to poor impulse control, impaired judgment, substance abuse, high risk sexual behavior, fragmented mental and physical health systems.

Aim: Highlight the prevalence of co morbid HIV infection among individuals with mental illness and demonstrate that they are also a vulnerable group who should not be overlooked but included into the HIV/AIDS and overall health service delivery interventions.

Method: Collection and anonymous analysis data of all new admissions into Ndola Central Hospital Psychiatric unit in Zambia from the 1^st of January to the 20^th of June 2011. Routine HIV tested is normally conducted with the general consent of medical care as enough to allow consent for testing.

Results: In comparison to the general Zambian population, it is expected that there will be an increased prevalence of HIV amongst individuals with mental illness coupled with other co-occurrences of other health conditions.

Conclusion: The study has the potential to create better awareness and understanding of the local situation among mental health professionals and policy makers which in turn adversely affects the global world. Findings will also not only aid in future research but can also be used to motivate and devise tailor made intervention approaches thus improving the quality of life by moving “Towards Global Health Equity”.