Characteristics Of People With HIV/AIDS With Opportunistic Infections That Are Hospitalized At H. Adam Malik Hospital In Medan In 2015

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Characteristics of People with HIV/AIDS with Opportunistic Infections at H. Adam Malik Hospital Medan in 2015

Introduction

HIV/AIDS: A Serious Health Problem in Indonesia

HIV/AIDS is a serious health problem that affects millions of people worldwide, including Indonesia. Despite efforts to prevent and control the spread of the disease, HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern in the country. Opportunistic infections (OIs) are one of the main causes of death among people living with HIV/AIDS. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Health reports that the most common opportunistic infections are candidiasis, tuberculosis, and diarrhea.

Objective of the Study

This study aims to explore the characteristics of people with HIV/AIDS who experience opportunistic infections at H. Adam Malik Hospital in Medan in 2015. The study used a case study design that involved 132 of the total 199 patients diagnosed with opportunistic infections.

Methodology

Data Collection and Analysis

The data obtained were analyzed descriptively for univariate data, while for bivariate data, a chi-square test was used with a 95% confidence interval. The results of the analysis showed that the highest proportion based on sociodemography was found in the age group 25-49 years (82.6%), with the majority of male patients (77.3%). In addition, 70.5% of them are high school graduates, 77.3% have jobs, and 53.8% are married. Most patients come from areas outside the city of Medan (62.9%).

Results

Sociodemographic Characteristics

The results of the analysis showed that the majority of patients were male (77.3%), with an age range of 25-49 years (82.6%). Most patients were high school graduates (70.5%), had jobs (77.3%), and were married (53.8%). The majority of patients came from areas outside the city of Medan (62.9%).

Transmission and Immunity

In terms of transmission, 80.4% of patients were infected through sexual intercourse. In addition, 86.4% of patients had a CD4 amount below 200 cells/ml, which shows low immunity. As many as 65.2% of patients were at stage III HIV, and the other 65.9% suffered less body weight.

Opportunistic Infections

Of the 132 patients examined, the most commonly found opportunistic infections were oral candidiasis (68.9%), pulmonary tuberculosis (62.1%), pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (31.1%), and chronic diarrhea (30.3%). Most patients (65.9%) were infected with two opportunistic infections or less, and 59.8% were hospitalized for seven days or less.

Treatment Outcomes

At the end of the treatment, 80.3% of patients were declared alive, although there was a record that 23.2% of patients who died were infected by oral candidiasis and pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Discussion

Statistical Analysis

Statistical analysis shows a significant difference in the proportion of the number of opportunistic infections based on status when returning (p = 0.001). However, there is no significant difference in the proportion of body mass index (BMI) based on clinical stage (p = 0.611) and the length of treatment based on the number of opportunistic infections experienced by patients (p = 0.980).

Conclusion

Recommendations

It is recommended that health workers improve medical record recording to increase data accuracy. It is also important to increase socialization regarding HIV tests as an effort to prevent opportunistic infections related to AIDS. Pregnant women are highly recommended to do HIV tests in order to detect early and prevent HIV transmission from mother to child. Finally, HIV/AIDS patients are advised to maintain personal hygiene, consume good nutrition, and comply with antiretroviral treatment (ART) to improve their quality of life.

Implications

Designing Effective Interventions

With a better understanding of the characteristics of people with HIV/AIDS with opportunistic infections, we can design more effective interventions and improve the quality of health services for them. This study provides valuable insights into the sociodemographic characteristics, transmission, immunity, and opportunistic infections of people with HIV/AIDS in Medan, Indonesia. The findings of this study can inform the development of targeted interventions and improve the quality of care for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Limitations

Future Research Directions

This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the study. Future research should aim to recruit a larger sample size and explore the characteristics of people with HIV/AIDS with opportunistic infections in other settings. Additionally, future research should investigate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing opportunistic infections and improving the quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS.

References

  • Ministry of Health. (2015). Report on HIV/AIDS in Indonesia.
  • World Health Organization. (2015). Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report.

Note: The references provided are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HIV/AIDS with Opportunistic Infections

Q: What is HIV/AIDS?

A: HIV/AIDS is a serious health problem that affects millions of people worldwide, including Indonesia. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, while AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection when the immune system is severely damaged.

Q: What are opportunistic infections (OIs)?

A: Opportunistic infections are infections that take advantage of a weakened immune system, such as HIV/AIDS. OIs can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites and can range from mild to severe.

Q: What are the most common opportunistic infections in people with HIV/AIDS?

A: The most common opportunistic infections in people with HIV/AIDS are candidiasis, tuberculosis, and diarrhea.

Q: How do people get infected with HIV/AIDS?

A: People can get infected with HIV/AIDS through:

  • Unprotected sex with an infected person
  • Sharing needles or syringes with an infected person
  • Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
  • Blood transfusions from an infected person

Q: What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?

A: The symptoms of HIV/AIDS can vary depending on the stage of the infection. Early symptoms may include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Q: What is the treatment for HIV/AIDS?

A: The treatment for HIV/AIDS is antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of medications to suppress the virus and prevent it from progressing to AIDS.

Q: Can people with HIV/AIDS live a normal life?

A: Yes, people with HIV/AIDS can live a normal life with proper treatment and care. However, they may need to take medication regularly and make lifestyle changes to manage their condition.

Q: How can people prevent HIV/AIDS?

A: People can prevent HIV/AIDS by:

  • Practicing safe sex (using condoms)
  • Avoiding sharing needles or syringes
  • Getting tested for HIV regularly
  • Avoiding high-risk behaviors (such as injecting drugs)

Q: What is the role of healthcare workers in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS?

A: Healthcare workers play a crucial role in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS by:

  • Providing education and counseling to patients
  • Conducting HIV testing and diagnosis
  • Prescribing and monitoring antiretroviral therapy (ART)
  • Providing support and care to patients living with HIV/AIDS

Q: What are the challenges in treating HIV/AIDS in Indonesia?

A: The challenges in treating HIV/AIDS in Indonesia include:

  • Limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas
  • Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS
  • Limited availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other medications
  • Limited awareness and education about HIV/AIDS among the general public

Q: What can be done to improve the treatment and care of people with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia?

A: To improve the treatment and care of people with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia, the following can be done:

  • Increase access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas
  • Provide education and counseling to patients and their families
  • Improve the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and other medications
  • Reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS
  • Increase awareness and education about HIV/AIDS among the general public.