Psychological characteristics of HIV-infected patients in a penitentiary institution

The aim of the study. Identification of psychological characteristics of HIV-infected patients in a penitentiary institution using the Shmishek questionnaire. Materials and methods . A total of 629 results of psychological testing of individuals in the penitentiary system were examined using the Shmishek questionnaire: 2 groups: the first — 110 (17.5%) patients with HIV infection; the second — 519 (82.5%) without HIV infection. Results. Patients with HIV infection, in comparison with the second group, differ in their psychological characteristics (according to the Shmishek questionnaire, the type of character accentuation): excitable less often by 10–15%, hyperthymic more often by 3–3.5%, demonstrative less often by 3–3.5%, dysthymic less often by 15%, stuck — equally likely, anxious less often by 10– 15%, cyclothymic — equally likely, exalted more often by 3–3.5%, emotive less often by 3–3.5%, pedantic less often by 3–3.5%. Conclusion. A study conducted jointly by scientists in the field of medicine and psychology showed the importance of including psychologists in the staff of departments specialized for patients with secondary diseases of HIV infection.