Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of HIV-Positive Patients Monitored at the General Hospital of Benguela – Angola, from January to December 2023

Introduction: HIV infection compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis. This study analyzes the epidemiological and clinical profile of HIV-positive patients at the General Hospital of Benguela, Angola, during 2023. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 229 HIV-positive patients monitored at the General Hospital of Benguela. Data were collected from hospital records, including demographic information, comorbidities, disease stages according to WHO classification, and treatment outcomes. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis, with frequency and percentage distributions for the variables. Results: Among the patients, 43.2% were aged between 18-35 years, and 56.8% were female. The prevalence of comorbidities was significant, with 30% presenting tuberculosis and 39.3% other opportunistic infections. Most patients (65.9%) were in WHO stages II and III, and 79.5% were managed on an outpatient basis, suggesting a stable clinical profile for most. Conclusion: The findings highlight the importance of continuous antiretroviral therapy (ART) and preventive treatment for opportunistic infections in maintaining a stable health status in HIV-positive individuals. Public health policies that ensure consistent access to ART and preventive care are essential for controlling disease progression and transmission.