HIV Services by Mental Healthcare Providers in Kolkata

Several study findings reveal out that risk of HIV transmission among mentally ill people is 4 to 22 times higher than general people. Hence our study explored adherences and barriers in providing services in mental healthcare settings of Kolkata,India. Practices of the service providers about HIV counselling, Testing or Referral services were captured in this study. Adherence to HIV counselling and testing issues varied from provider to provider or setting to setting. Confidentiality was counted to be low. Expert groups considered stigma as a barrier on seeking services. Validity of informed consent given by mentally ill person, arranging mandatory HIV testing for high-risk groups and disclosing test result hasten appropriate services. There were no guidelines for providers. Inadequate adherence in standard principles in settings of Kolkata might place patients in a more vulnerable situation enhancing their risks of HIV infection. This book will therefore help researchers, faculties, care providers of mental care settings and policy makers to get an idea about HIV counselling and testing services in mental healthcare settings.