Document 2006
 DOCN  M94A2006
 TI    Psychopathological disorders in HIV-positive subjects and sexual risk of
       HIV transmission.
 DT    9412
 AU    Andreetto U; de Bertolini C; Scarso C; Saccavini R; Baldo M; Rupolo GP;
       Garofoli B; Cadrobbi P; Salmaso L; Institute of Psychiatry, University
       of Padova, Italy.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):401 (abstract no. PD0210). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370569
 AB    OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the
       psychopathological conditions, in terms of the general state of anxiety,
       anxious traits and depression, between HIV-positive subjects adopting a
       sexual behavior at risk of transmitting the infection as opposed to
       those taking suitable precautions (i.e. using condoms) or abstaining
       from sexual activity altogether. METHODS: 172 HIV-positive subjects
       (without AIDS and with partners) were grouped as: subjects with a sexual
       behavior at risk of transmitting the infection (76 cases), those
       abstaining from sexual activity (88) and those taking suitable
       precautions (8). Information was obtained using a questionnaire for the
       classification of sexual behavior and the C.B.A. 2.0 psychopathological
       scales. One-way analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis.
       RESULTS: The HIV-positive subjects failing to take suitable precautions
       revealed significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression than those
       who abstained from sexual activity. The latter, however, had
       significantly lower levels of depression than subjects making systematic
       use of the condom. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: 1) It could be suggested
       that subjects adopting a sexual behavior at risk of transmitting the
       infection have stronger defensive mechanisms which prevent them from
       becoming fully aware of their HIV infection, thus favoring lower levels
       of anxiety and depression. 2) Patients remaining sexually active but
       taking suitable precautions appear to be in a transient phase of
       depression which accompanies their becoming fully aware of their HIV
       infection.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*TRANSMISSION  Analysis of Variance
       Anxiety  Comparative Study  Condoms  Depression  Human  HIV
       Infections/*TRANSMISSION  HIV Seropositivity/*PSYCHOLOGY/*TRANSMISSION
       Questionnaires  *Risk-Taking  *Sex Behavior  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).