Characteristics and trends of newly reported HIV infection in young students in China, 2010-2019

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the characteristics and trends of newly reported HIV infection cases in young students in China between 2010 and 2019 and provide evidence for the formulation of AIDS prevention and control measures in young students. Methods: Data were collected from the Basic Web-based HIV/AIDS Case Reporting System. The HIV infection cases in students aged 15-24 years reported between 2010 and 2019 were selected. Their basic characteristics were described, and Joinpoint Regression Model was used to analyze the temporal trends of new diagnosis rates in different age groups. Results: A total of 23 307 HIV/AIDS cases were reported in young students, the male to female ratio was 33.9∶1 (22 640∶667), and the mean age was (19.9±2.05) years. The temporal trends of new diagnosis rates showed two stages, it increased rapidly between 2010 and 2015 (annual percentage changes, APC=32.1), and kept stable between 2015 and 2019 (APC=0.1, P>0.05). The new diagnosis rates in all age groups showed increasing trends between 2010 and 2015, and the APC of age group 15-17 years was highest (30.2). Between 2015 and 2019, the new diagnosis rates in age group 23-24 years showed decreasing trend (APC=-17.0). The transmission route was mainly homosexual contact for males, and heterosexual contact for females. For most heterosexual transmission cases, they were infected through non-marital or non-commercial heterosexual contact. The male cases mainly came from HIV voluntary counseling and testing clinics, but the female cases were mainly found in hospitals. The male cases had higher mean first CD(4)(+)T cells counts (CD(4)) compared with female cases (t=3.917, P=0.000). Conclusions: The overall increase trend of newly reported HIV infection in young students slowed slow down trend between 2010 and 2019, but the newly reported HIV infections in age group 15-17 years still showed an increase trend. It is necessary to carry out sex health education effectively in young students to reduce the high-risk sexual behavior and expand HIV test coverage in students.