Clinical monitoring profile of patients living with the human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is considered a serious global public health issue. In Brazil, between the years 2007 and 2019, 300,496 new cases of HIV were reported, with 28,415 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Thus, the importance of conducting research to identify the profile of the population prone to late diagnosis and patients who abandon or do not adequately adhere to antiretroviral therapy was noted. This is aimed at providing data that can assist in the availability of information in the literature and the promotion of public policies focused on diagnosis and treatment continuity. Methodology: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study using secondary data from the municipality of Santo ngelo - RS obtained from the database of the Department of Chronic Conditions and Sexually Transmitted Infections (DCCI) regarding Indicators and Basic Clinical Monitoring Data for HIV. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, with the data presented in terms of the number of individuals and percentages. Results and Discussion: Between 2016 and 2020, the rate of patients linked to the healthcare system increased by 15.8%, with 55.1% of cases in the age group between 30 and 49 years. In this age group, although late diagnosis was the highest, reaching 57.7%, there was, on the other hand, the highest rate of viral suppression, reaching 58.2%. In 2020, approximately 373 patients were on antiretroviral therapy; of these, 289 adhered satisfactorily, while 84 showed insufficient adherence. Additionally, 159 individuals abandoned treatment for some period of time. Conclusion: The age group between 30 and 49 years showed a predominance of cases and stood out in the investigated indices. In this regard, it is necessary to expand health promotion programs, especially targeting this age group, to provide relevant information aimed at raising awareness and providing assistance to HIV+ individuals.