Clinical Profile of HIV/AIDS

Author(s): Abdul Mumith Ruhan, Fazle Rabbi Chowdhury, MD. Shafiqul Bari, MM Jahangir Alam, Parash Ullah, Bidrum Purkayastha, Tasnim Mahmud

Background: HIV infection continues to be a major public health challenge, particularly affecting individuals in their most productive years. A clear understanding of socio-demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, and socio-economic factors is vital for effective management and prevention.

Objective: To assess the socio-demographic profile, clinical features, and socio-economic status of HIV-infected patients attending a tertiary care center.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 30 HIV-positive patients. Data were collected using structured interviews and medical records, covering age, sex, education, marital status, occupation, income, and clinical presentations. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the data.

Results: The patients’ ages ranged from 20 to 62 years, with a mean of 40.36 ± 10.58 years. Most were male (63.3%), married (56.7%), and middle-income (76.7%), with 36.7% being illiterate. Occupationally, foreign employment (40%) and housewives (30%) predominated. The most frequent clinical manifestations were weight loss (40%), chronic fever (33.3%), and chronic diarrhea (30%). Other features included oral/anogenital ulcers, mucocutaneous lesions, candidiasis, myalgia/arthralgia, pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, and generalized itching.

Conclusion: HIV primarily affects middle-aged, economically active adults with limited education. Clinical presentations are diverse, with weight loss, fever, and diarrhea being most common. Future strategies should focus on early diagnosis, treatment adherence, psychosocial support, and the incorporation of social and religious values. Additional research in the local context is recommended to guide culturally sensitive interventions and enhance the quality of life for people living with HIV.