1. A suicide risk screening scale for HIV-infected persons in the immediate post-diagnosis period
- Author
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R D Govender and L Schlebusch
- Subjects
Beck Hopelessness Scale ,Beck Depression Inventory ,Depression ,Hopelessness ,recent HIV-infection ,Suicidal ideation ,Suicide risk assessment ,HIV ,Public aspects of medicine ,RA1-1270 ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Background. The risk of suicidal tendencies in HIV-infected persons appears high and may parallel the increasing prevalence of suicidal behaviour in South Africa. Objective. To construct a brief suicide risk screening scale (SRSS) as a self-administered instrument to screen for suicidal ideation in recently diagnosed HIV-infected persons. Methods. An SRSS was developed, drawing 14 items from two established screening tests, and assessed using a sample of 150 HIV-infected consenting adults identified at a voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) clinic at an academic district level hospital in Durban, South Africa. Participants returned three weeks after their initial assessment for a re-assessment. Results. The internal consistency of the SRSS was good (Cronbach’s alpha, 0.87), and its sensitivity (81%) was higher than its specificity (47%). The findings suggest that, despite certain limitations, the SRSS may be a valuable screening tool for suicidal ideation at VCT clinics. Conclusion. Screening for suicide risk and possible suicidal behaviour in HIV-positive persons may form a routine aspect of comprehensive patient care at VCT clinics to assist with effective prevention and treatment.
- Published
- 2013
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