ART-naive HIV patients at Feleg-Hiwot Referral Hospital Northwest, Ethiopia

Objectives: To determine socio-demographic and immunological status of anti-retroviral treatment (ART)-naïve HIVpositive patients.Methods: This was a longitudinal survey of HIV-positive patients treated with ART at Felege-Hiwot Hospital. CD4 cell counts were enumerated at baseline and after 6 months of treatment using FACS count (Becton Dickinson). Socioeconomic data were collected using pre tested questionnaires.Results: Three hundred sixty eight (62% female), with median age 30 years were enrolled. Of these, 207 (56.5%) were uneducated and 233 (66.8%) had monthly income ≤ 250 birr. Three hundred fifteen (85.6%) started ART within 6 months of HIV diagnosis. The mean (95% CI) CD4 cell count at baseline was 153 (139-167); 156 (137-175) for females and 122 cells/μl (105-139) for males (