Characteristics Of HIV And AIDS Sufferers At Padang Public Health Center In 2017-2018
Characteristics of HIV and AIDS Patients at Padang Month Puskesmas in 2017-2018
Introduction
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are infectious diseases that attack white blood cells, causing a decrease in the patient's immune system. According to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, there were 48,300 cases of HIV and AIDS throughout Indonesia in 2017. In North Sumatra, there were 2,211 HIV sufferers, with Medan City being the city with the highest number of cases in the province, as many as 584 cases in 2016. This study aims to understand the characteristics of HIV and AIDS sufferers visiting the Padang Bulan Health Center, Medan, during 2017-2018.
Methodology
This study uses a descriptive design with a series of cases with a total area of ​​111 HIV and AIDS patients. Univariate data analysis is carried out descriptively, while bivariate data is analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The study aims to identify the characteristics of HIV and AIDS sufferers, including their demographic factors, health conditions, and behavior.
Results
The results of the study showed that the highest proportion of HIV and AIDS sufferers was in the age category of 25-49 years (73.9%) and the majority were male (88.3%). In addition, the level of education is held more by those who have high school education or equivalent (86.5%), and most work as private employees (82.9%). Most of them are also not married (76.6%) and come from outside the working area of ​​the Puskesmas (82%). In terms of health conditions, the majority are in stage I (87.4%) and have homosexual sexual orientation (80.2%). The average body mass index (BMI) sufferers classified as normal (87.4%), but around 70.3% of their CD4 data is unknown. In addition, 86.5% of sufferers did not experience opportunistic infections (IO) and 82.9% had received assistance in the ARV Drug Management Program (PMO). Their last living conditions are mostly in good condition (95.5%).
Discussion
Further analysis shows the absence of significant differences in the proportion of age, sex, work, and opportunistic infections based on the way of transmission. For example, statistical analysis for the proportion of age based on transmission mode shows the value of P = 0.53, while the sex and method of transmission indicate the value of P = 0.314. The p value for work based on transmission mode is 0.054, and for opportunistic infections based on the last state is 0.477. This shows that this demographic factor is not significantly related to the existing transmission.
Conclusion
From the results of this study, it is recommended that the community is more active in preventing HIV and AIDS transmission by applying healthy living behaviors and complying with ABCD prevention theories (safe, clean, checking, and early detection). Padang Bulan Health Center is also recommended to continue to improve the assistance program for people with HIV and AIDS, through the VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) program and to monitor their compliance in consuming ARVs regularly. Through these steps, it is expected to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS disease and improve the quality of life for sufferers.
Implications
With a deep understanding of the characteristics of HIV and AIDS sufferers, related parties can design more effective programs to reach this population and support overall public health. The study's findings can be used to inform the development of targeted interventions, such as health education programs, counseling services, and support groups. Additionally, the study's results can be used to advocate for increased funding and resources for HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment programs.
Recommendations
Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:
- The community should be more active in preventing HIV and AIDS transmission by applying healthy living behaviors and complying with ABCD prevention theories.
- Padang Bulan Health Center should continue to improve the assistance program for people with HIV and AIDS, through the VCT program and to monitor their compliance in consuming ARVs regularly.
- Related parties should design more effective programs to reach this population and support overall public health.
- Increased funding and resources should be allocated for HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment programs.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including:
- The study's sample size is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
- The study's data collection methods may have introduced biases, such as selection bias and information bias.
- The study's analysis may have been limited by the availability of data and the study's design.
Future Research Directions
Future research should aim to build on the study's findings and address its limitations. Some potential research directions include:
- Conducting a larger-scale study to increase the generalizability of the findings.
- Using more robust data collection methods, such as surveys and interviews, to reduce biases.
- Analyzing the study's data using more advanced statistical methods, such as regression analysis, to identify potential predictors of HIV and AIDS transmission.
References
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. (2017). HIV and AIDS in Indonesia.
- World Health Organization. (2018). HIV and AIDS.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). HIV and AIDS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HIV and AIDS
Introduction
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are infectious diseases that attack white blood cells, causing a decrease in the patient's immune system. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about HIV and AIDS, based on the study's findings and general knowledge.
Q&A
Q: What is HIV and AIDS? A: HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, while AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged.
Q: How is HIV transmitted? A: HIV can be transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It can also be transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, and from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Q: What are the symptoms of HIV and AIDS? A: The symptoms of HIV and AIDS can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include fever, fatigue, weight loss, and swollen lymph nodes. In the later stages of AIDS, symptoms can include opportunistic infections, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and cancer.
Q: Can HIV be cured? A: Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) can help manage the disease and prevent the progression to AIDS.
Q: How can I prevent HIV and AIDS? A: You can prevent HIV and AIDS by practicing safe sex, using condoms, and getting tested regularly. You can also reduce your risk by avoiding sharing needles and other equipment, and by getting vaccinated against certain infections, such as hepatitis B.
Q: What is the difference between HIV and AIDS? A: HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system, while AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, where the immune system is severely damaged.
Q: Can I get HIV from a mosquito bite? A: No, HIV is not transmitted through mosquito bites.
Q: Can I get HIV from a blood transfusion? A: No, HIV is not transmitted through blood transfusions in countries with strict screening and testing procedures.
Q: Can I get HIV from a tattoo? A: No, HIV is not transmitted through tattoos, but you can get infected if the tattoo equipment is not properly sterilized.
Q: Can I get HIV from a kiss? A: No, HIV is not transmitted through kissing, but you can get infected if you have open sores or cuts on your mouth or lips.
Q: Can I get HIV from a swimming pool? A: No, HIV is not transmitted through swimming pools, but you can get infected if you have open sores or cuts on your skin.
Q: Can I get HIV from a toilet seat? A: No, HIV is not transmitted through toilet seats, but you can get infected if you have open sores or cuts on your skin.
Conclusion
HIV and AIDS are serious diseases that require attention and prevention. By understanding the basics of HIV and AIDS, you can take steps to protect yourself and others from infection. Remember to practice safe sex, get tested regularly, and avoid sharing needles and other equipment.
References
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. (2017). HIV and AIDS in Indonesia.
- World Health Organization. (2018). HIV and AIDS.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). HIV and AIDS.