Socio-demographic and clinical profile of AIDS patients in Jimma referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia
Lissane Seifu
Ethiopian Journal of Health Development 18(3): 203-207
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 1021-6790 Document Number: 261668
Background: A number of studies conducted in Jimma have shown that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a serious public health problem in the area. But the profile of HIV patients and the risk factors for acquiring HIV infection have not been studied. Objective: This study is aimed at determining to the modes of clinical presentation, sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors accounting for the exposure to HIV infection. Methods: A five-year retrospective review of HIV/AIDS patients registered in Jimma hospital in Ethiopia was conducted. All HIV/AIDS patients that were registered in Jimma Hospital AIDS control programme (ACP) were studied by collecting data from ACP formats and individual medical records. Data were analysed by SPSS-PC computer software. Results: A total of 925 patients were studied. The male to female ratio was 1.1:1. A majority of the patients were from urban areas and the mean age was 27.8 years (30.6 years for males and 25 years for females). Most of the patients (426; 46.1%) were in the 20-29 years age group. Unemployment was common among 173 (20%) subjects followed by housewives and soldiers and/or ex-soldiers. Multiple sexual partnerships, history of sexually transmitted diseases and sex with commercial sex workers were the three major risk factors identified in 54.8, 48.1 and 24.9% of the cases, respectively. Three quarters of the patients had weight loss, followed by fever in 650 (70.4%) and diarrhoea in 421 (45.4%). Tuberculosis was the commonest specific diagnosis. Other previously rare presentations were also noted. Conclusion: The change observed in the distribution of HIV/AIDS cases in Jimma indicates the maturation of the HIV epidemic. The heterosexual nature of the transmission indicates the need for intervention aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviours.