EVALUATION OF THE ORGANIZATION OF HIV SCREENING IN SOUTHERN RUSSIA IN 2000-2016

Abstract

Study objective: To evaluate the organization of HIV screening and its significance for controlling HIV/AIDS epidemic in Southern Russia. Materials: Statistical records according to the Form 4 and personal data by the Form 266u-88 related to the years 2000–2016 and the results of sentinel serologic epidemiological studies carried out by 13 territorial Centers for Prevention and Control of AIDS in Southern Russia. Methods: Raw data were treated using MS Office software and F4 and Kvik program utilities. Results: Trends to increases in the involvement of the population of Southern Russia in HIV testing and to increases in new HIV cases detection and the variabilities of these trends by regions were revealed. The prevalence of vulnerable subpopulations, including drug addicts, homo- and bisexuals, STD patients, and prisoners, was about 4%; however, they accounted for more than 25% of newly detected HIV cases. The low involvement of these subpopulations in HIV screening precludes finding out hidden HIV patient cohorts for adequate preventive and anti-epidemic interventions. Non-coherence of the results of reports by the Form 4 and of epidemiological studies with regard to seropositive blood samples suggests that the obligatory pretest counselling is inadequate for revealing the personal traits of subjects intended for HIV testing. This is another indication of the need for sentinel serologic epidemiological studies involving population groups most vulnerable to HIV. Such studies has been carried out only in three territories of Southern Russia. The data obtained in the studies show that HIV prevalence in vulnerable groups is significantly higher than HIV detection rates suggested by Form 4 reports. Measures for improving the organization of HIV screening in Southern Russia are proposed.