Epidemiological Investigation of HIV-Positive Patients in Isfahan Behavioral Consultation Center, Iran

Abstract

Background: Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) creates acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). This virus affects all body systems and cause organ vulnerability to opportunistic infections, weight loss and ultimately death. The aim of this study was epidemiological investigation of HIV-positive patients in Isfanan Behavioral Consultation Center, Iran, during 1999-2009. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, epidemiological characteristics of AIDS/HIV patients were investigated during ten years; they were selected by census method. Patient data were analyzed via descriptive analytic statistical methods. Findings: 241 patients with a mean age of 38.7 years were investigated; 47.7% of patients were in 31-40 years age group, 89.6% were men and 30.7% were in AIDS phase. In 2008, 31% and in 2009, 53% of the patients at the time of diagnosis were in AIDS phase. Most of the patients were infected through drug injection [170 patients (70.5%)] and sexual intercourse [39 patients (16.2%)]. Totaly, 116 patients (48.1%) were also infected to other diseases, including hepatitis B and C or tuberclosis, among them, hepatitis C had the most frequency [79 patients (32.8%)] (P ≤ 0.001). The most prevalent cause of death was AIDS [23 patients (9.5%)]. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that most of the patients had lower quality of life and health. Proper consultation and education in target groups is effective to prevent and control the risk factors and to reduce the disease incidence.

Keywords

• HIV
• AIDS
• Education
• Consultation