HIV Prevalence in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract

Although HIV prevalence in Pakistan has been well documented, no data has yet been found on HIV prevalence in the Dera Ismail Khan, KPK region. A total of 300 people were interviewed, or their medical data were reviewed between June 2021 and December 2021. Written informed consent was obtained from those selected using a convenient sample approach, and they were made aware of the study's protocol. HIV antibodies were detected in blood serum (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western Blot). A total of 60 people (or 0.497 percent) tested positive for anti-HIV. The patients ranged in age from 30 to 60, and 73.33 percent of them were male. The vast majority of patients (56.67 percent) were urban inhabitants, divorced or widowed (60 percent) and uneducated (45 percent). Over eleven percent (11%) of the patients admitted to using injectable drugs. Injection drug usage was the most significant risk factor for HIV infection, compared to blood donation/transfusion and sexual contacts. The most significant conclusion was that DI Khan had a higher HIV prevalence than the national average. A dangerous scenario necessitates preventive measures tailored to the context. Blood donation/transfusion and extra-marital sex should be avoided in order to prevent the risky behaviors of injection drug addiction and blood donation/transfusion. Keywords: Pakistan, KPK, HIV, Prevalence, and Risk factors