Profile of Clients Tested Hiv Positive in a Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Government Medical College Surat, Gujarat, India

Introduction: According World Health Organization, approximately 34.0 (31.6–35.2) million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. The Voluntary Counseling and Testing Centre (VCTC) provides a key entry point for the 'continuum of care in HIV/AIDS' for all segments. Aim: To understand the profile of patients attending VCTC of Medical College. Methodology: The present study was conducted in the VCTC of Government Medical College of Surat in Gujarat state of India. From 1 March 2003 to 31 December 2003 all the patients attending the VCTC of Government Medical College of Surat during the study period were interviewed. A total of 1007 patient was included in this study. Results: The male population constituted 701 (69.6%). The literacy rate among the female subjects was found to be 71.5%, while that in males was 85.7%. Approximately half of the study subjects (40.1%) had visited the VCTC voluntarily. Of the subjects who responded, 396 males (56.4%) had multiple sex partners and 1 was involved in homosexual practices. 23.7% preferred family counseling and 18.6% preferred one to one discussion with doctors. 3.2%of subjects anticipated a disturbance in their marital life, and 2.0% believed that they would be discriminated by their other family members. Conclusion: The medical fraternity should take a stand and fight against the discrimination of sufferers, rather than ostracizing them to have a positive attitude from HIV sufferers. Increased availability and the use of VCTC services will prove to be a huge potential benefit for the society.