@article{ref1,
title="Elevated risk of suicidal ideation in HIV-positive persons",
journal="Depression research and treatment",
year="2015",
author="Schlebusch, L. and Govender, R. D.",
volume="2015",
number="",
pages="e609172-e609172",
abstract="Globally, suicide and HIV/AIDS remain two of the greatest healthcare issues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Several studies have observed a relationship between suicidal behaviour and HIV/AIDS. <br><br>MATERIALS AND METHODS. The main objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of elevated risk of suicidal ideation in HIV-positive persons immediately following voluntary HIV counselling and testing (VCT). The study sample consisted of adult volunteers attending the VCT clinic at a university-affiliated, general state hospital. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, Beck's Hopeless Scale, and Beck's Depression Inventory. <br><br>RESULTS. A significantly elevated risk of suicidal ideation was found in 83.1% of the patients who tested seropositive. Despite a wide age range in the cohort studied, the majority of patients with suicidal ideation were males in the younger age group (age < 30 years), consistent with the age-related spread of the disease and an increase in suicidal behaviour in younger people. Relevant associated variables are discussed. <br><br>CONCLUSION. The results serve as important markers that could alert healthcare professionals to underlying suicide risks in HIV-positive patients. It is recommended that screening for elevated risk of suicidal ideation and prevention of suicidal behaviour should form a routine aspect of comprehensive patient care at VCT clinics.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2090-1321",
doi="10.1155/2015/609172",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/609172"
}