Abstracts Vol. 1 [International Conference on AIDS (11th: 1996: Vancouver, Canada)]

Mo.D.1883 - Mo.D.1889

Monday, July 8, 1996

Project: lo be developed within Fundconrr SPES, on ASO located in Buenos Aires.Arsentinra.
Research in a interdisciplinary working team (medical doctors, psychologists, social workers
ard counsellors) of the evolution of two groups of patients, with and without psychotherapeutical treatment, at the initial stage of the diagnosis and a year later The con paratie
study investigates social, labour, famirly, psychic, inmunologic status and sexual vratOns.
Results: The rnajonrty of patiernts receiving psychotherapeutical treatment: *Elaborate the diagnosis in less time and better emotional conditions.*Present smaller incidence of denial mechanisms." Increase the protection practices (i. e. safe sex, early intervention). *Improve their social
isertion in relation to their HIV status. 'Star t and maintain an adequate clinical follow up.
Lessons Learned: We have learned that the psychotherapeutical treatment for people living
with HIV /AIDS is the necessary complement required to improve the results of the med
ical treatment. In other words: the psychotherapist is the best ally of the mnedical doctor
and, therefore, the best ally of the patient.
Dr Ceiar Cuadrelli, Spes Foundation, Avda Las Herais 2207, 4to ( 1127) Buernos Aires;
TelFax: +54 I -805 -3477 ermail: jlhid)warnmani.apc.org.
Mo.D. 1883
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS OF THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC IN SENEGAL
Coll-Seek Awa Marie, Diop Ly F Mbengue C.S.A, Sall L.F Service des Maladies Infectieuses
BP 5035, Dakar Senegal.
Objective: I) To identify the soeo-economic factors which help to the spread of the HIV infection in Senegal. 2)To strengthen the preventive strategies against the HIV infection in Senegal.
Methods: 7 cities in Senegal were choosen for this studyThe target population was the
sexually active men and women aged more than 15 years.The study was based on focus
group method In each city 8 focus groups were done with 10 persons by groups.
Results: 560 persons were included in this study The knowledge on HIV transmission was
good. For some participants, the HIV came from north countries and many of them considered HIV infectionr as a divine malediction and as a punishment.Young adults know how to
prover t against HIV but the problem remain the geographical accessibility for these condoms. the beginning of sexual intercourse is early for young boys. Multiple sexual partners
is frequent and the practice of "Mbaxal which means one girl with many boy friends is a
reality For young boys mnultiple sex partners is a situation which increases one's prestige.
According to the focus group, adultery is a frequent practice in men and women. Many
wvomer use aphrodisiac products during their sexual intercourse.
Conclusion: This study emphas es the importance of the socio-economic factors which
Iielp to spread the HIV infection in Senegal The HIV prevention programns must emphasize
these factors in order to decr ease the epidemic.
Coll/Seck Awa Marie - Infectious Diseases Department B.P 5035 - Dakar Senegal.
-el. (22 1) 25 25 47 Fax [phone]
Mo.D. 1884
PERCEPTIONS OF SEXUALITY AND SEXUAL PRACTISES AMONG YOUNG SINGLE
TUNISIANS AGED FROM 17 TO 24
M.A ta*, Z. Latiri, N. Gueddana*"*; HI. Ben Romdhane***, Medical Service Direction;:* IEC Di)rection"* University Professo ONFRTunisia
Issues:I he extension of IIIV/SIDA evolves slowly in North Africain countries, although
there are numerous risk factors (including being a transit country, women emancipation and
equality of sexes). Do our youngsters practise safe sex without knowing it? In what extent
their culture, their values and their beliefs contribute to this situation?
Project: It is a socio-behavioral natitronal survey which has been conducted concerning 2681
single teenagers, from I 7 to 24 years old of both sexes and several categories (at school,
actie occupied arind nronoccupied). A confidential interview by a professionnal interviewer
of the same sex enabled to analyze the major items of their eproductive health.
Results: 6 youngsters among 10 have declared they have had sexual intercourse, starting
from the age of 16.T1he average age of the first complete intercourse is rather late (18,1
years), the initiating partner is found in the immediate environment (girlfriend, husband to
be) or arrmongr hazardous acquaintances. 75% of young men admit their multipartriers sexualty arid the non -utilization of condoms. As for the perception of sexuality the first place is
given 1o the satisfaction of a need and the search of pleasure, followed irnmedately by its
uin -al characte,.
Lessons Learned: IT e necessity of a targeted education for the various categories of
young'ters, t h iough their '< peers for a responsible sexuality has generated an actioen -
research project supported by ElC.
DrM.Attia, Office Nationral De La Famlle Elt De La Population 42Avenue De Madrid,Tunis,
1002; furisia, itel: (216 1259870, F ax:(216 I) 354507
Mo.D. 1885
CREATIVE VISUALIZATION AND RELAXATION TECHNIQUES IN THE TREATMENT
OF PATIENTS WITH HIV
Vainstein Celia, Amrned M. Programa SILDA, Secretaria de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Issue: Stiess, dep nession, anger or neyative feelings may alter the humn inmune system and
Cornsequentiy infuence on lyrphocites repication.
Project: A ser ies of meetings with yiroups of I IV positive patients was initiated. In ever y ses
varn Ipatients were directed in relaxatiore exercises and visualizations once they ve reached
the Alpha level brain. Ii this state they learned to visualize their immune system growin
and bein stronrgerThey were taken to thinkl about what Ife and death mean, and the
impor tance of increasing the quality of life.-Theyve been given of a few techniques to practice twice a day at home, and received a group support once a week at this AIDS Program.
Results: 16 patierts treated with this method since 1988 remain HIV positive, but they have
cot developed ari7 kind of iness related to AIDS Their quality of life increased and they
contiue woir ki g, study ig and having a normal life. CD4 count is normal or higher than it
was before beginning this treatment. Some of them were medicated while other ones
never have taken any medication for HIV.
Lessons Learned: Immune system finctions are clearly related to the Nervous System, and
cany psychfological states such as depression, anger or negative feelings can modify lymphocites
replic tion. Creative visualization has show to be useful for getting a better quality of life.
Celia nainstein, Honorio Pueyrredon 364, 8 '"A" (1405) Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Fax: [phone]

Mo.D. 1886
NEUROPSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY IN EARLY SYMPTOMATIC HIV INFECTION
K. Sathiamoorth.,.H'.i' Sclomon, Kumarasamy & A. K. Ganesh.Yrg Center For Aids
Research & Educator. Idr s, India.
Objective:To study t6,, reu, opsychologica impairments, psychiatric morbidity and influence
of cognitive mpairiet o, di,y functioning among peope who were in early HIV symptomatic stage [CDC stage' IVA, C2 & E]
Methods: 60 PWHIV in the age group of 20- 29, who drop-in at our day care center for
treatment were evaluated. DSM Ill-R criteria was used for the diagnosis of Psychiatric rmor
bidity Neuropsychological evaluation was done using Natonal Institute of Mental Health
and Neurosciences [NIMHANS] Battery Two people with neurological signs and EEG
abnormalities were excluded because of possible active cerebral toxoplosmosis as suggest
ed by subsequent CAT Scan.
Results: The results of the study indicate that 59.2% had psychiatric morbidity of which
70.4% had major depression. Test results revelaled that PVVHIV had mild to moderate
impairments in attention, concentration, learning skills and visual recognition. It is important
to note that none of the people in the study complainted any cognitive dysfunction.
Conclusion: Majority [76.9%] had neuropyschiatric morbidity.This paper reports on the
relationship between neuropsychiatric mnorbidity, the progression in dysfunction and its
impact on day to-day functoning.This paper also discusses the implications of the findings in
cognitive remediation.
K. SathiamoorthyYrg Care, I, Raman Street,T Nagar, Macras, India - 600 017,
Tel.: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Mo.D. 1887
SELF-CONCEPT AND LOCUS OF CONTROL IN PERSONS WITH HIV/AIDS
Mart(nez, Fernando*, Martinez D.-. *Fundaci6n Mexicana para la Lucha contra el SIDA, A.C.
Objectives: To determine the Self Concept and Locus of Control mn Human Immuno deficiency Virus (HIV) seropositive persons and to compare hem according to the time with
the infection.
Method: Three instruments were applied: A Self-Concept Scale, a Locus of Control Scale
and a Questionnai e regarding knowledge about HIV/AIDS by means of personal interviews. A four months period was established, during which time was obtained a final sample
of 70 individuals.
Results: It was observed that Self -Concept decreases when a person has recently been
given an HIV positive result and when the first infections appear and that it improves when
emotional suppor t and/or psychological therapy is given and even more so when this therapy is carried out in group sessions. In addition having true and objective information about
HIV/AIDS contributes to improving Self-Concept and to internalizing the Locus of Control.
Conclusion: We affrm that Health Professionals could use emotional and psychological
support to help persons with HIV/AIDS to improve their Self Concept and to internalize
their Locus of Control. Likewise, providing true and current information about HIV/AIDS
can be very helpful for HIV seropositive individuals.
Fernando Martinez, Calle 19 # 75, Col San Pedro de los Pinos. 03800, Mexico, DF.,
Tel. [phone], Fax [phone]
Mo.D. 1888
WHAT ARE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HAVING AN HIV
TEST?
T Campbell D. Shaw S. Estreich C.Twigger *'Tudor Wing, The Hillingdon Hospital, Uxbridge,
Middx, Uk, "Gum Clinic, St Helier Hospital, Carshalton, Surrey Uk, '"Psychology Dept.,
Uni. Of Surrey Guildford, Uk.
Objectives: A significant minority of attenders for HIV testing at genitounnary clinics are inappropriately concerned about HIV infection while others with an STD seem not to be concerned about HIV This study explored some of the psychological factors which distinguish
these 2 groups from each othe r:Those attending for an HIV test ONLY who did not have an
STD (group I) were compared with those attending for clagnosis or treatment of genital
warts NOT requesting an HIV test (group 2).There were 25 subjects in each group (total 22
males and 28 females). Mean age for group I was 29.5 years and for group 2 was 22.6 years.
Method: Subjects completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), the Health
Locus of Control Scale, an HIV information scale and a semi-structured interview about
their sexual history.This information was collected before pre-test counselling took place.
Results: Both groups obtained high scores on the anxiety component of the HAD Group I
had higher (not signrrficantly) depression scores. Subjects in group 2 had significantly higher
external health locus of control (EHLC) scores while those in group I had significantly higher internal health locus of control (IHLC) scores. Both groups had similar levels of knowl
edge about HIV transmission.
Conclusion: I. Feelings of anxiety especially and depression are common in both groups. 2.
High EHLC score- may facilitate sexual risk taking. 3.1 The presence of anxiety, depression and
higher IHLC may lead to inappropnriate concern about HIV 4. Clinics offering HIV testirg may
need to identify and refer on those atter ders with more serious psychological diffrultnes.
Tomas CampbellT Sd fWing, The Dillrgdon Hospital Pield Heath Rd, Uxbridye, Middx Ubf
3nn, Uk
Mo.D. 1889
DELIRIUM AMONG AIDS PATIENTS IN A LONG TERM CARE FACILITY
Uldall, Karina K., Berghuis (., Lalonde B. University ofWmshington, SeattleWA, USA
Objective:To determine the fiequency of AIDS associated delirium sn patients residing at a
long term care facility and describe factors associated with delirium episodes.
Methods: Charts of 137 AIDS patiermts (I 34 inale, 3 fenale) who died at or were ds
charged from a long term care ficility in 1994 were reviewed. Demographic inormation,
past and current medical conditions, and medication usage were extracted from the med
ical record.The presence or absence of delirium was de ermined using the Confusion
Assessment Method (CAM), a diagnostic algorithm. Interrater reliability checks were per
formed on 25% of the 137 charts reviewed following a random selection process. Chisquare analyses, including Bonferroni corrections, were used to test for differences between
the delirious and non delirious patient groups. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals
(CI) were determined for delirium associated with specific medications.

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