Topic:

HIV/AIDS and Other Retroviruses

Abstract No.:

ISE.132

Title:

Epidemiological and clinical features of AIDS in elderly patients attending the west regional treatment center in Cameroon

Author(s):

F.-X. Mbopi-Keou¹, L. Dempouo Djomassi², F. Monebenimp³, G. C. M. Kalla⁴, F. Djoukoué⁵, G. Ondobo Andze⁶, F. Angwafo Iii⁶; ¹Ministry of Health & University of Yaounde I, School of Medicine, Department of microbiology & Infectious Diseases, Yaounde/CM, ²Ministry of Health, Diseases Control, Yaounde/CM, ³University Teaching Hospital & University of Yaounde I, School of Medicine, Yaounde/CM, ⁴University Teaching Hospital, Yaounde/CM, ⁵Chantal Biya Foundation, Mother and Child Center, Yaounde/CM, ⁶Ministry of Health & University of Yaounde I, Yaounde/CM

Abstract:

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, HIV/AIDS continues to quietly target groups which remain virtually defenseless against the disease. Little attention has been given to the epidemic's impact on the older adult, or geriatric population. The aim of this study was to drive a wedge through this wall of silence by addressing epidemiological, clinical features and the public health issues associated with HIV/AIDS in aging populations in Cameroon.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study and a cross-sectional survey were performed on patients attending an approved treatment centre in the capital city of the west region Cameroon. These patients were on highly active antiretroviral treatment. Epidemiological, clinical features and survival after treatment in elderly patients were compared to those of younger patients. Key variables examined were demographic and other characteristics of the patients. Data were analysed using EpiInfo and SAS Statistical softwares. The Ficher test, the Chi-Squared, Anova, the Mann Whytney/Wilcoxon and the log rank tests were used for analyses, and statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
Results: The average age was 39 years old, with 17 as minimum and 88 as maximum. The proportion of HIV-infected people aged 50 years or older among the studied group was 14.10%. They were less knowledgeable about HIV transmission compared to younger patients (p=0.04).  Diagnosis of HIV was more often suggested by the occurrence of an AIDS related event in people over 50 years (p=0.02). They were more likely to have comorbid conditions (p<10^-5). Findings failed to indicate any association between age and adherence (p=0.83). After initiation of HAART, survival was not related to age (p=0.81).
Conclusion: The elderly represented a substantial proportion of HIV cases. Voluntary HIV testing should be particularly offered to this age group in order to diagnose and treat them timely. Information campaigns targeting older adults should be integrated into national HIV control programmes as part of strategies aimed at preventing further HIV infections. We finally strongly recommend that the segment of the aged population affected and infected by HIV/AIDS must not be left out and forgotten, nor be denied the right to age with dignity, respect, and the highest quality of care.