[Epidemiological, Clinical And Therapeutic Profile Of Hiv-Infected Patients On Antiretroviral Treatment In Kisangani, Democratic Republic Of Congo].

Abstract

Material and method: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with retrospective collection conducted from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 in Kisangani on HIV-infected patients. Sociodemographic, clinical and therapeutic data of patients were recorded and analyzed.

Results: A total of 124 patients were identified, 71% of whom were females. The majority were aged 26-35, female and unemployed. Provider-initiated testing and counselling was the most common circumstance of discovery of HIV diagnosis (56.4%). Weight loss (48.4%), fever (40.3%) and cough (37.9%) were the main clinical manifestations found in patients. At the time of the discovery of HIV infection, the majority of patients were in category C at stage III of the disease according to the 1993 CDC classification. The most frequently encountered antecedents were sexually transmitted infections (22.6%) and tuberculosis (14.5%). HIV infection mainly affects young adults, females, married, unemployed, urban residents, secondary school and who consult health facilities at the advanced stage of the disease.

Conclusion: Public awareness (targeting especially youth) and early use of screening could improve this situation.