A Study on Socio-demographic Profile of HIV/AIDS Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy in an ART Center of Burdwan District,West Bengal

Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS is a chronic debilitating disease which has engulfed a significant number of people. 10% of the total People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) of the country live in the state of West Bengal. Objective: To study the different socio-demographic characteristics of HIV/AIDS patients receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). Methodology: It was an observational study with cross-sectional design conducted from July 2010 – June 2011 among 558 subjects in the ART Centre of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. HIV/AIDS patients who were 15 years of age or more, and had been on ART in this ART Centre till the end of June, 2010 were interviewed with a semi-structured schedule. Result: 63.1% patients were male. Number of male and female patients varied significantly according to age and literacy status in this study. Age group and educational status were significantly associated with sex. Conclusion: HIV/AIDS has been transmitted among the people of different socio-demographic background and causing concern regarding the holistic approach to prevent further spread of this deadly disease