Abstract

Background: HIV/AIDS epidemic is a major public health problem in India. The epidemiology of HIV/AIDS should be known with regard to sociodemographic variables that will be helpful in the planning of future complex need of people living with HIV/AIDS and prevention prospective of disease.
Objective: To study the sociodemographic profile of people living with HIV/AIDS attending ART center at NSCB Medical College and Hospital Jabalpur in central India.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the HIV-positive persons who were attending antiretroviral treatment (ART) center at NSCB Medical College and Hospital, registered from January 1 to December 31, 2009. Before starting the study, permission was taken from MPSACS. Data were analyzed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007. Result: Totally, 124 HIV/AIDS patients registered during the year 2009. Most of the cases [101 (81.45%)] were aged 20–45 years. Male subjects were affected twice when compared with female subjects. Most of the patients were illit- erate or completed up to primary education. Majority of the patients were laborers [30 (24.19%)], followed by drivers [28 (22.58%)] in occupation. In 73 (58.87%) patients, per capita income/month was <1,000 rupees. Widow/widower [70 (56.45%)] and divorce/single [15 (12.1%)] were the most vulnerable group. Heterosexual was the most important route of transmission in 94 (75.81%) of cases, and Bargi was the most affected region. Only 52 (41.94%) patients were on ART at the end of the year. Conclusion: The majority of HIV/AIDS-affected persons were in the economically productive age group. The educational level, occupation, socioeconomic status, marital status, and affected region were found to be associated. Heterosexual is the commonest mode of transmission. Most of the patient reported at early phase of disease.