The functional status of patients with AIDS attending antiretroviral treatment center

To assess the functional status of patients with Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) registered in the Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) center.

Descriptive study.

ART center in Calicut Medical College, Kerala, India.

Cohorts of AIDS patients attending the ART center during the year 2007.

Done prospectively from the secondary data available from the center.

The demographic, morbidity, functional status and laboratory parameters were collected. Data processing was done using Excel datasheet and analysis were done using Epi info 2003.

One hundred and ninety-five patients received care during this period; 69% were males. The mean age was 38+/-9 years; 80% of them were married and in 50% of their spouses also tested positive for HIV. The mean CD4 count was 127 cells/microliter. The majority (90%) were categorized as WHO Stage 3 or 4 of HIV. Only 52% of them were able to perform their usual work in or outside their house; the rest were not able to lead an economically productive life. Thirty-six per cent were only able to perform activities of daily living; 12% were bedridden. The functional status of the patients positively correlated with WHO disease stage (P = < 0-0001), and CD4 count and hemoglobin levels negatively correlated with staging (P = <0.001). 62% are having any of the opportunistic infections.

Fifty per cent of the AIDS patients are disabled and need support and care. As AIDS is a growing problem, community-based palliative care for AIDS patients should be strengthened in India.