Situación epidemiológica del Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana en el Ecuador durante el periodo 2020-2022

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a critical public health challenge in Ecuador, with marked disparities in care for vulnerable populations. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological situation of HIV in Ecuador during the period 2020 – 2022. Methodology: An observational, descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional approach was employed. Secondary data were obtained from anonymized databases of the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INEC, by its Spanish acronym) and then tabulated, which allowed for analysis and the creation of tables and graphs. In addition, the data were segmented by key variables such as the number of HIV cases, mortality rates, the number of HIV cases in the nine zones and provinces of Ecuador, the number of HIV cases by age group from 18 to 70 years, sex, and the annual prevalence of pregnant women infected with HIV in the country. Results: The data analysis allowed for the identification of the main epidemiological trends of HIV in Ecuador during the period 2020 – 2022. Firstly, the number of HIV cases in the study period, mortality rates, and the zones and provinces with the highest incidence of HIV were identified. Also, the infection rate in the age group of 18 to 70 years by gender was identified. Finally, the prevalence of HIV in pregnant women in the country was evaluated.