Detection of common mental disorder and alcohol use disorders in HIV infected people: A validation study in Goa, India

This study aims to validate a brief screening instrument to detect common mental disorder and alcohol use disorders in HIV infected people (PLHIV). The instrument consisting of Kessler's psychological distress scale-6 (K-6) and the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS) was administered to 109 PLHIV and compared to a reference standard psychiatrist's diagnosis. A cut-off score of 13 on the K-6 (sensitivity 68.4%, positive predictive value 58.7%, area under the ROC curve 0.78) and 1 on the RAPS (sensitivity 70.0%, positive predictive value 58.3%, area under ROC curve 0.82) were chosen as suitable. The instrument can be used by lay community workers.