Predictors of HIV Testing Among Individuals Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder

Predictors of HIV Testing Among Individuals Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder By Marie Denise Decoline MLA, Houston Baptist University, 2005 MPH, Walden University, 2011 BS, Houston Baptist University, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University August 2014 Abstract Research on rates of HIV testing among individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD) is limited, while HIV infection continues to rise among BPD individuals. The problem is that BPD individuals are at high risk for HIV infection due to non-adherence to treatment for bipolar disorder and manic episodes that can lead to high-risk behaviors. The goal of the study was to examine the association between selected demographicResearch on rates of HIV testing among individuals diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder (BPD) is limited, while HIV infection continues to rise among BPD individuals. The problem is that BPD individuals are at high risk for HIV infection due to non-adherence to treatment for bipolar disorder and manic episodes that can lead to high-risk behaviors. The goal of the study was to examine the association between selected demographic variables, having a bipolar diagnosis, engaging in high-risk behaviors, inability to afford treatment for bipolar disorder, non-adherence to treatment for bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, and their relationship to obtaining an HIV test (the dependent variable) for individuals with BPD. The epidemiologic triangle model served as the theoretical model to assist with interpreting findings. Data collected from 383 BPD diagnosed individuals from the 2007 National Health Interview Study were analyzed using binary logistic regression, chi-square, and multiple logistic regression methods. The results indicated that all 5 behavioral independent variables were significantly associated (p=.000) with obtaining an HIV test. Significant associations were also found for demographic variables (race, gender, and homelessness) as confounding factors that influenced HIV testing among BPD individuals. Implications for positive social change are increased education on the risks of HIV infection and the need for appropriate HIV testing among BPD diagnosed individuals in an effort to protect the health and welfare of this vulnerable population. Predictors of HIV Testing Among Individuals Diagnosed With Bipolar Disorder By Marie Denise Decoline MLA, Houston Baptist University, 2005 MPH, Walden University, 2011 BS, Houston Baptist University, 2001 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Health Walden University August 2014 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, MI 48106 1346 UMI 3644394 Published by ProQuest LLC (2014). Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. UMI Number: 3644394 Dedication I dedicate my dissertation first of all to God, who gives me wisdom and strength to complete this journey. To Jesus Christ, who is my rock and shield when confused and lost. To my husband, Gerard Decoline, who provided support and understanding throughout this process. To my nine children: Jerry, Greg, Alex, Lisa, Terry, John, Samuel, Sarah, and Chris who encouraged and stood by me during the writing of the dissertation and the school years. Acknowledgments With a grateful heart, I want to acknowledge and thank my committee members Dr. Richard Jimenez, Dr. Raymond Panas, and Dr. Dorothy Browne for their resolute reinforcement in completing my research dissertation. I wish to thank my former chair, Dr. Cassandra Arroyo, who willingly answered my phone calls during late hours when confused and down and Andreea Creanga. Dr. Richard Jimenez, my chair and mentor for his resolute guidance. I am indebted to him for his advice in completing my dissertation. I am also thankful to Dr. Richard Jimenez, for choosing me as his assistance for his research project. A special thank for Dr. Raymond Panas, my committee member, who came at the last minute, worked and assisted me through the end, I am grateful. To Dr. Andreea Creanga (URR) for her dedication in reviewing my work, I will always be appreciative for her effort. I wish to acknowledge my co-workers Dr. Tuan Nguyen, who instructed and assisted me with SPSS analysis, I am greatly indebted to him. I wish to thank Jamie Santee, my daughter’s best friend and the family friend for editing part of my dissertation along with Lisa, my daughter. Rachel Holcomb, my co-workers, who assisted me with technology difficulties, and my team members, Isaac Adusei, Foday Daramy, as well as my supervisors for their support and understanding. Finally, I am thankful to my sister and Estime Antoine, Marie M Noel, Bertrand Philippe, my pastor, and friend Marie Lourdes Raymond, who have been praying and supporting for me during my weakest moments. i Table of