PREVALENCE OF JOINT PAIN IN PATIENTS LIVING WITH WITH HIV/AIDS IN A REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN THE STATE OF PARAÍBA

Among the complications associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), joint pain represents an important cause of morbidity, compromising the quality of life of patients living with HIV. The objective of this work is to describe the prevalence of joint pain associated with HIV/AIDS in a reference hospital in the state of Paraíba, managed by the Brazilian Hospital Services Company (EBSERH). The research was carried out at the Alcides Carneiro University Hospital (HUAC), of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), administered by EBSERH. This is a study of the prevalence of hospitalizations for joint pain in HIV-positive patients. Data collection was carried out from a secondary source DATASUS and registration with the Epidemiological Surveillance Center (NVEH), subsequently the data was tabulated in Excel and the prevalence equation was inferred, resulting in a coefficient of 72.3% of patients hospitalized for HIV presented joint pain, a fact that suggests joint pain as a priority problem that should be emphasized in the clinical approach, not yet treated as a relevant and highly prevalent symptom. Joint pain is a prevalent complaint in patients living with HIV, making it necessary to implement priority policies in this regard, as well as intensify records of this HIV-related condition.