Abstract:

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and changing trends in patients infected with HIV/AIDS in Hefei area for evidence to formulate corresponding prevention and control measures. Methods The case data, reported in Hefei area from January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2022, were initially retrieved from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, and then analyzed regarding the distribution characteristics of time, population and region in the victims of HIV/AIDS. Joinpoint regression was performed to analyze the changing trends in such patients. Results In total, 3 974 HIV/AIDS cases were cumulatively reported in Hefei area from 1997 to 2022. Of the victims, 3 608 (90.79%) were males, and 366 (9.21%) females. The ratio of male to female was 9.86∶1. The age ranging from 20 to 29 years was dominant (1 511 cases, 38.02%). After 2008, the proportion of 50 years old and above tended to grow in the reported cases (χ²_trend=62.73, P<0.05). The infection was most seen in patients with college or higher educational background (1 670 cases, 42.02%). By occupation, the reported case number was large in service industry (1 805 cases, 45.42%). The proportion of cases reported in students had been on the rise since 2008 (χ²_trend=32.08, P<0.05). The main way of transmission was involved in homosexual transmission (2 525 cases, 63.54%), and homosexual transmission tended to rise since 2003 (χ²_trend=79.43，P<0.05). The infection was generally identified in detection and consultation (1 832 cases, 46.10%) and clinical visit (1 628 cases, 40.97%). Joinpoint regression analysis showed that the reported cases of HIV infection in Hefei area were at average annual percent change (AAPC) by 21.90% per year (Z=13.44, P<0.05). Conclusion The HIV/AIDS prevalence in Hefei is relatively stable. Among them, middle aged and elderly population, students and men who have sex with men should be the key groups of HIV/AIDS prevention and control. Health education on AIDS prevention and control should be strengthened for this group of people, and AIDS screening should continue to be strengthened to achieve early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment.

Key words: AIDS, HIV, Epidemiological characteristics, Hefei City