Epidemiological Profile of HIV Positive Cases Attending ICTC of a Teaching Hospital in North Karnataka

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) continues to be a major threat to the community. Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) provides a key entry point in HIV prevention and care. Objectives: 1. To study socio-demographic profile and risk behaviour pattern of HIV positive ICTC visitors. 2. To know the common sources of referral to ICTC. 3. To know HIV status of spouse / partner. Study design: A cross-sectional record based study. Methodology: The present record based cross-sectional study was conducted in November and December 2010 by going through the records of HIV positive cases who visited the ICTC of BIMS Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka, from January 2007 to December 2009. Results: The study included all 3,447 HIV positive cases with 43.1% females. 2,532 (73.4%) study subjects belonged to 15-49 years. 1537 (78.3%) males and 1244 ( 83.8%) females were married. 869 (25.2%) subjects had visited the ICTC voluntarily. 1367 (39.7%) were referred by doctors from government and private health care facilities. 1242 (36.1%) subjects did not disclose their risk behaviour pattern. Majority of the responded subjects (74.3%) had heterosexual partners. In 74.2% couples, both partners were HIV infected. Conclusion: The present study revealed high prevalence of HIV positivity in the visitors of ICTC Belgaum. People have begun using ICTC facilities which reflects greater awareness and change in the attitude towards HIV in the community.