"Background: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has emerged as one of the most serious public health problem in the country. Integrated counseling and testing centres (ICTCs) are key entry points for a wide range of interventions in HIV prevention and care. So this study was conducted to find out the socio-demographic profiles, HIV serostatus and risk behavior pattern of attendees and also elucidate the reasons for their visit to centres .
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among clients who visited ICTC either by self referral or referred by a health care provider from Oct. 2009 to Dec. 2009. It was a cross sectional, observational study and conducted at Integrated Counseling and Testing Centre attached to Microbiology department of G.R. Medical College, Gwalior.
Results: Majority of attendees i.e. 83.2% of the attendees belonged to the age group of 15-45 years and males contributed to 64.75% of the case load in ICTC. An overall 7.06% of the ICTC attendees were HIV positive. The majority of the subjects were illiterate (35.65%). Illness was the main reason for ICTC visit of attendees. A high percentage of non response regarding the pattern of risk behavior was noted among the subjects (57.59% males and 88.37% females).
Conclusion: In absence of curable drugs and vaccine, epidemiological studies should be carried out to find out behavioral, social and demographic factors which help in interruption and control of transmission of disease."
Key words: HIV serostatus, ICTC, VCTC
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