HIV/AIDS occurrence in the main university teaching hospital in Cameroon: audit of the 2001 activities of the service of internal medicine.
OBJECTIVE
This study describes the impact of HIV/AIDS on the inpatient service of the main teaching hospital in Cameroon in 2001.


METHODS
The authors analyzed routinely collected hospital data and data validated by survey of clinical notes.


RESULTS
Admission and bed utilization rates for HIV/AIDS over the period accounted for 20.1% and 17%, respectively, primarily due to the management of opportunistic infections in young people (mean age, 39.9 years). Housewives (21.9%) and students (10.3%) were the most identified groups. Tuberculosis (23.3%), the most frequent infection, was associated with a good prognosis. Hospital stay ranged from 1 to 99 days. HIV/AIDS accounted for 49.3% of deaths registered.


CONCLUSIONS
HIV/AIDS is the major cause of hospital admissions and death in this service. This situation is likely to remain constant for some time given the national prevalence of HIV. Consideration needs to be given to the options for prevention and provision of care.
Kengne
André Pascal
AP
George Institute for International Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. apkengne@ yahoo.com
Kaze
François Folefack
FF
Dzudie
Anastase
A
Awah
Paschal Kum
PK
Ngu
Kattlen Blackett
KB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002163:Cameroon; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006748:Hospital Departments / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged