HIV/AIDS: Clinico-epidemiological profile of patients on anti-retroviral therapy in central India

Introduction: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the developing world is more than just a medical problem. Differences in social, economic, cultural and educational background of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS patients affect their health-seeking behaviour. These factors vary from country to country, state to state and even within the states. Hence, an attempt was made through this study to assess the socio-demographic and clinical profile of HIV/AIDS patients receiving anti-retroviral therapy (ART) at the ART centre of a tertiary medical college in Central India.

Material and Methods: It was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the ART centre of a tertiary medical college, on 1000 HIV/AIDS patients receiving ART who were above 18 years of age, from January 2010 to December 2011. Data collection was done by personal interview.

Results: Out of total 1000 participants, 59.70% were males 40.30% patients were females. A total of 76.50% patients were in the 25–44 years age group. Maximum were Hindus (67.9%) and married (67.20%). The most common mode of transmission was heterosexual sex in 94.80% patients. In total, 36.09% subjects were asymptomatic. Most common morbidity found was peripheral neuropathy in 22.20% subjects, followed by active tuberculosis in 15.60%. The mean CD4 counts of females were found to be significantly higher than males.

Conclusions: Most of the HIV/AIDS cases belonged to the sexually active and economically productive age group, and low socio-economic status. The most common morbidity found was peripheral neuropathy.