Socio-demographic and clinical profiles of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive patients at an ART (anti-retroviral therapy) centre in western Maharashtra: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remains a global health challenge, particularly in developing nations like India, with approximately 2.35 million people living with HIV. Socio-demographic factors, including education and socio-economic status, influence infection rates. This study examines the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of HIV-positive patients at an anti-retroviral therapy (ART) Centre in Maharashtra. This single-center, cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of HIV-positive patients at an ART Centre in Western Maharashtra. The sample included 400 participants aged 18 and above, selected via systematic random sampling. Data were collected through a pre-tested questionnaire covering socio-demographic details and clinical parameters, including CD4 counts and opportunistic infections. Statistical analysis was conducted using Jamovi v4.3.2, with ethical clearance obtained from the institutional ethics committee. Informed consent and data confidentiality were maintained. A total of 400 HIV-positive individuals participated in the study, with most aged 21-40 years and a slight female predominance. Half were married, and many had low educational levels, with 308 participants in the upper-lower socio-economic class. Clinical findings showed that 45.5% had a CD4 count of ≤200 cells/μL, indicating advanced immunosuppression. The majority were in WHO Stage II (41.8%) or Stage III (33.3%), with 48.3% experiencing opportunistic infections, predominantly candidiasis (34.3%). Adverse reactions to ART were reported by 22.3% of participants, highlighting treatment challenges. This study highlights the socio-demographic and clinical profiles of HIV-positive patients in Maharashtra, emphasising the need for tailored public health interventions, partner testing, integrated HIV-TB services, and strengthened public-private partnerships, along with robust IEC activities to enhance awareness and promote safer practices.