Socio-demographic and clinical profile of AIDS patients in Jimma referral Hospital, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract
Background: A number of studies conducted in Jimma have shown that HIV/AIDS is a serious public health problem
in the area. But the profile of HIV patients and the risk factors for aquiring 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 was conducted. All
HIV/AIDS patients that were registered in Jimma Hospitals AIDS control programme (ACP) were studied by
collecting data from ACP formats and individual medical records. Data were analyzed by SPSS-PC computer
software.
Results: A total of 925 patients were studied. Male to female ratio was 1.1 to 1. A majority of the patients are from
urban areas and the mean age was 27.8 years; (30.6 years for males and 25 years for females). A majority of the
patients i.e., 426 (46.1%) were in the 20-29 years age group. Unemployment was the common among 173 (20%)
subjects followed by housewives and soldiers and /or ex-soldiers. Multiple sexual partnerships, a history of STDs 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. [Ethiop.J.Health Dev. 2004;18(3):203-207]