Prevalence and Determination of Risk Factors of HIV/AIDS in Quetta, Pakistan

Abstract

HIV/AIDS is still a major public health concern, mostly now in underdeveloped regions where socio-economic and cultural issues affect the transmission of the disease and its control. Initial diagnosis and identification of risk factors are important for the effective prevention of HIV. The current study was designed to determine the HIV seroprevalence, demographic and behavioral risk factors among the participants at the HIV/AIDS Centre at Bolan Medical College, Rahat Medical Hospital, and the Regional Blood Centre Quetta. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 200 participants. Venipuncture samples were collected under aseptic conditions and examined for Immunochromatographic testing (ICT), followed by confirmatory testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Demographic features and risk factors data were collected over structured questionnaires. A Statistical analysis was carried out via descriptive statistics, Chi-square, and binary logistic regression tests to assess relations and indicators. Generally, the HIV seroprevalence rate was 2%, with 4 positives out of 200 samples by ICT and confirmed by ELISA. Chi-square analysis showed a significant association among gender and variables, with information on HIV spread (p = 0.037), HIV testing awareness (p = 0.034), sexual activity (p = 0.017), constant use of condoms (p < 0.001), injecting drug usage (p = 0.042), and multiple sexual partners (p = 0.014). Nonetheless, because of the relatively small number of positive cases, the outcomes from the multivariable regression analysis should be cautiously considered and cannot be used for causality. Among HIV positive participants, the risk factors were noted, including drug abuse, promiscuity, and unprotected sex, which were more common among married males; these were not found in the negative individuals. However, the presence of positive cases and behavioral risk factors underscores the ongoing risk of HIV transmission, even when the overall prevalence of HIV is low. ICT and ELISA tests showed effectiveness for HIV diagnosis. To stop the spread of HIV in the area, focused awareness campaigns, behavioral treatments, and enhanced screening techniques are crucial. Because of the cross-sectional design of the experiment and the few positive cases, it is not possible to establish any causality.