Authors : Chukwudi Kennedy Okwor; Elizabeth Marcus; Charles Onyegbado; Fabian Bassey; Eugene Onu; Amana Effiong; John Oko Okpanachi; Okenwa Joel Uchechukwu; Ezema Godian Chibueze.

Volume/Issue : Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2zbmrhts

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8162768

Abstract : Background: Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus disease is militating against the gains made in HIV care and treatment programs, especially in sub-Africa. Even with broadened access to antiretroviral therapy, HIV patients develop advanced HIV disease due to re- emerging opportunistic infections. This study x-rayed the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with advanced HIV disease in order to facilitate HIV program designs that focus on the prevention, care, and treatment of advanced HIV disease. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of program data of patients diagnosed with advanced HIV disease, based on their CD4 cell counts, between April 2022 and March 2023. A descriptive statistical analysis of their sociodemographic variables was done using SPSS version 22. The statistical correlations between the socioeconomic status and results of the Lateral Flow- Lipoarabinomannan and cryptococcal antigens tests, ART adherence, and patients living status were computed. The observations were presented with tables and charts.Results: Advanced HIV disease concentrated in the 31 to 45-year age group with observable preponderance for female patients and people of lower socioeconomic status.Conclusion: The findings that advanced HIV disease is common among female HIV-positive patients and people from lower socioeconomic status signal the design of the AHD package of care around these vulnerable populations.

Keywords : Militating; Gains; Re-Emerging; Retrospective; Lower Socioeconomic Status; Vulnerable Population.