PERFIL EPIDEMIOLÓGICO DE CASOS HIV/AIDS CADASTRADOS EM SERVIÇO AMBULATORIAL ESPECIALIZADO

This study aimed to know the epidemiological profile of the users serviced by the referral service for HIV/AIDS in the city of Petrolina, State of Pernanbuco. It is a descriptive study with a quantitative approach in which 331 HIV/AIDS notification and investigation files were analyzed between 2010 and 2014. The number of AIDS cases’ notifications within 2009 and 2014 was observed, revealing a majority of males (58.3%) aged between 31 and 50 years (52.9%). Also, more than 50% of the cases were composed of low schooling people. Sex was accounted as the probable prevailing way of transmission, even in cases of a high educational level, being the heterosexuals the most exposed category. The prevailing signs and symptoms of case definition were asthenia, cachexia, chronic diarrhea, persistent fever, and CD4 + lymphocyte count  <350 cells / mm3. The research showed an increase in female cases, although the majority is still composed of low schooling male. The lack of data was a limiting factor for a more detailed analysis, preventing other elements from being identified. The knowledge of such findings can help formulate specific actions so to promote education and reduce the transmission chain.