Publication:

Socio-demographic and behavioural profile of HIV positive patients visiting ICTC at a tertiary care hospital in North India

Background Fast track approach is being followed by UNAIDS in order to achieve the aim of ending AIDS epidemic by 2030. It is important to keep a check on new infections and gather information about the HIV trends of the new cases. This study was planned to analyze the socio-demographic details, associated high risk behaviours and common routes of transmission of new cases.

Methods Data of new HIV positive patients coming to the ICTC centre during the study period was collected. The HIV positive patients were counselled by the counsellor after taking informed consent. The socio demographic details of the patients were shared by the counsellor.

Results Total 92 HIV positive patients were enrolled. Out of 92, 64 were males and 28 were females. Out of 92, 12 were illiterate. Most common route of transmission was found to be heterosexual route followed by blood transfusion. Of 92 patients, 36 were direct walk in clients and 56 were referred to ICTC. Most common high risk behaviour amongst HIV positive people is unsafe sexual practice with non-regular/casual partners, and homemakers are mostly secondarily infected from their reactive spouses.

Conclusions The most common high-risk behaviour (HRB) amongst HIV positive people is unsafe sexual practice with non-regular/casual partners, and innocent homemakers are mostly secondarily infected from their reactive spouses. Thus, there is a need to further spread awareness amongst women about the HRB and risk of HIV. Sharing of results between partners needs to be encouraged in order to prevent HIV transmission.