Assessment of HIV Infection in HIV Patients Admitted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan.

Abstract

Aims: This study aims to assess the correlation between risky behaviors (unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners, men who have sex with men (MSM), and injectable drug users) and HIV infection among patients. The study focus on evaluating risk behaviors associated with HIV transmission among HIV-positive individuals. Background: HIV is an RNA virus that primarily attacks the immune system. Currently, there are 39 million people infected with HIV. Methodology: This study is a cross-sectional analysis involving 67 HIV patients admitted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) during the years 2023-2024. All patients were interviewed regarding their HIV infection, and various questions concerning risk factors were posed to them. Results: Our research demonstrates a significant prevalence of HIV among unmarried individuals, with a statistical significance of p < 0.01. Furthermore, engaging in the high-risk behavior of sharing syringes and needles (standard beta = 0.73) and associating with drug users (standard beta = 0.061) might be considered forms of unsafe practices. There is a strong positive correlation (r = 0.867^∗∗) between drug users and the practice of sharing syringes and needles, which is highly statistically significant (p < 0.01). The results indicate a substantial association between drug users, the sharing of needles and syringes, and HIV infection. Conclusion: Drug users often share needles and syringes with other users, which significantly contributes to the outbreak of HIV in society. Unmarried men exhibit a higher prevalence of HIV compared to married men. Increasing public awareness and implementing robust government policies could help reduce the rate of HIV infections.