A Recent Profile of HIV-Positive Patients Attending an Integrated Testing and Counseling Centre (ICTC) at a Tertiary Care Center in Bangalore, India
Introduction: HIV continues to be a significant public health concern worldwide, having claimed over 35 million lives. The Integrated Counseling and Testing Center (ICTC) serves as the entry point to care. HIV-positive individuals referred to ICTC are more likely to practice safer sex and reduce...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Pasteur Institute of Iran
2023-03-01
|
| Series: | Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/article-1-485-en.html |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Introduction: HIV continues to be a significant public health concern
worldwide, having claimed over 35 million lives. The Integrated Counseling
and Testing Center (ICTC) serves as the entry point to care. HIV-positive
individuals referred to ICTC are more likely to practice safer sex and reduce
risky behaviors, decreasing the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others.
Within this study, we delved into the socio-demographic profile and risk
behavior patterns of HIV-positive individuals who sought care at ICTC.
Methods: The Oxford Medical College Hospital and Research Center
conducted a cross-sectional observational study in a hospital setting. Between
July 2018 and January 2020, 7389 individuals were registered at the ICTC.
Results: Out of all the clients, 1.04% were HIV reactive. Males had the highest
seropositivity rate, accounting for 70.1% of the cases. Seropositivity was most
common among individuals aged 35-49 years. Among the seropositive males,
11 (20.3%) were identified as local transport truck drivers. Out of the females
included in the study, 16 (69.5%) were identified as housewives. Heterosexual
transmission (97.4%) was found to be the most prevalent mode of transmission.
Conclusion: As a crucial entry point for HIV prevention, ICTC plays a critical
role in promoting awareness through aggressive health education programs and
addressing the various needs of people seeking its services. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2345-5349 2345-5330 |