Introduction:

Increased knowledge and dissemination about the epidemiological behavior of HIV infection in the Department of Itapúa generates significant evidence for decision-making at the regional level. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of patients with HIV who are part of the PRONASIDA of the Regional Hospital of Encarnación from 2017 to 2021.

Materials and Methods:

Cross-sectional study conducted on HIV patients enrolled in the PRONASIDA program at the Regional Hospital of Encarnación, 7th Health Region, during the years 2017-2021 (n=375). Data were expressed in measures of central tendency and dispersion, and proportions table.

Results:

The highest number of cases (80) was observed in 2018 and 2019. The age range of 20-29 years reported the highest number of cases, 20% (75), predominantly among females 64% (229), with 47% (177) originating from Encarnación. Forty-three percent (106) of AIDS cases had CD4 counts lower than 200 cells/mL, with a median viral load of 96,030 cells/mL and an interquartile range of 401,884.5 cells/mL.

Conclusion:

A decrease in new diagnoses was identified in the year 2020, likely associated with health measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The analyzed characteristics showed a predominance of females in younger age groups originating from Encarnación. It is considered important to strengthen primary care in Itapúa to highlight gaps, aiming to broaden access for patient enrollment and ensure early diagnosis.

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