Background: HIV, the disease, whose mode of transmission is known and is largely preventable, but due to lack of knowledge and practices about HIV/AIDS in general population causes its rapid spread. Aims & Objective: To assess and compare the knowledge, attitude and practices about HIV in patients group, care giver and in general population. Material and Methods: A total of 102 HIV/AIDS patients, 60 care givers (35 attendant, 19 nurses, 6 doctors) and 40 general population (control) were included in the present study. The patients who were registered for study were followed up for three visits. The responses were recorded on a pre-designed and pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Results: Illiteracy was more common in HIV patient group (27.5%). A high proportion of HIV/AIDS cases were engaged in transport/ production industry (24.5%). Electronic media and print media are major source of information. 35.3% patients, 22.9% care givers and 47.5% general population group thought that with medication HIV is curable. Sexual contact (63.8%) was the commonest mode of transmission. 80.0% medical staff thought that a newly diagnosed HIV person, first to talk with doctor. After 6 month follow up: 82% patients write sexual contact as major mode of transmission, and Use of condom was most important preventive measure (68%). Conclusion: Understanding the KAP about HIV/AIDS of Patients, care givers and in general populations will help us in formulating strategy for prevention and treatment.
Background: The nervous system is among the most frequent and serious target of HIV infection, occurring in patients with profound immunosuppression even some time neurological disease is the first manifestation of symptomatic HIV infection in 10-20% of patients. Aims & Objective: (1) To study the clinical, investigation profile and various neurological disorders in HIV positive patients; (2) To correlate neurological manifestations in HIV patients with CD4 Counts. Materials and Methods: 40 HIV positive patients with neurological manifestations were enrolled. Apart from routine investigations, CD4 cell count, MRI brain, CSF, electromyography and nerve conduction study were done whereas required. Results: Meningitis was the commonest diagnosis (52.5%) followed Peripheral neuropathy (20%). Cerebrovascular accident was present in 3 cases. Intracranial space occupying lesion was found in 3 cases. Headache was the commonest neurological symptom seen in 25(62.5%) patients. Altered sensorium was found in 55%. Cranial nerve involvement was seen in 7 (17.5%) patients. Convulsion was reported in 10 (25 %) of the patients. Choreoathetoid movement was present in one patient. CD4 Count was done in 37 patients. In 13 patients it was between 200-500/µl & <200/µl in 24 Patients. CD4 count was <200/ µl in most of the patients having TBM (73%), < 200/ µl in 75% of cryptococcal meningitis. Conclusion: Most of the neurological sign symptoms are due to secondary causes which vary according to the geographical areas. So the knowledge of epidemiology of neurological presentation may help in early diagnosis and treatment of patients.
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