Trends In HIV Infection Research Articles

Current Trends in HIV Infection in the Republic of Crimea.

The aim of this study was to analyse the trends in HIV infection, including diagnostic ones, in the Republic of Crimea in the period of 2014-2023. The source of data for this study was various statistical forms and reports. The findings revealed a significant downward trend in HIV incidence and a significant upward trend in HIV prevalence. The mortality rate was stable. The coverage of HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy increased over time. The number of patients with a suppressed viral load in the Republic fluctuated in different years of observation and reached 81% in 2023. In the second part of this study, we analysed the demographic and clinical laboratory characteristics of newly diagnosed patients with HIV. A predominance of men was noted. The proportion of injection drug users (IDUs) decreased, and the proportion of new HIV infection cases through heterosexual contacts increased. An increase in the median age of patients was also noted. Analysis of CD4 cell counts revealed significant differences between subgroups by gender, age, and route of infection. The longest time to disease detection was typical for IDUs. A comprehensive assessment of HIV infection trends in Crimea allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of measures and decisions taken on the issue of HIV infection.

СОЦИОЛОГИЧЕСКАЯ ОЦЕНКА УРОВНЯ ИНФОРМИРОВАННОСТИ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ ПО ВОПРОСАМ ВИЧ-ИНФЕКЦИИ В РАЗНЫХ ВОЗРАСТНЫХ ГРУППАХ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ РЕСПУБЛИКИ СЕВЕРНАЯ ОСЕТИЯ-АЛАНИЯ)

Relevance: HIV infection remains an urgent, socially significant disease in modern society. In the modern world, absolutely everyone is at risk of contracting HIV infection to one degree or another. Despite active preventive work, new cases of infection are registered every year, which makes the problem of HIV infection strategically important. Objective: To determine the level of awareness of the population of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania on HIV infection in different age groups. Materials and methods: The questionnaires of 600 respondents were analyzed. Respondents are represented in four age groups from 15 to 35 years in equal numbers – 25%. The questionnaire included the most relevant questions about the ways of HIV transmission. Empirical data were processed and analyzed using the capabilities of the IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0.1 software and analytical complex. Results: Of the 137 new HIV cases recorded in 2022, men predominate - 59.1%, while women – 40.9%. Among the established transmission routes, the highest proportion falls on the sexual (heterosexual) pathway of infection – 51.8%, the homosexual pathway – 5.1%. The proportion of people infected with parenteral administration of narcotic drugs was 41.6%, perinatal contact was 1.4%. There is a continuing trend of HIV infection among residents of working and reproductive age from 20 to 49 years old, which makes the issue of preserving the health of this group strategically important. The 18-22 age group of people studying in higher and secondary educational institutions has the most positive idea of the ways of HIV transmission and the risk of infection, which indicates the importance of awareness-raising activities. In the adolescent group of 15-17 years, there is a misconception about the ways of HIV transmission. The misconception about the possibility of contracting HIV infection in everyday conditions persists in 20.7% of respondents in the 30-35 age group and 13.3% in the 15-17 age group. The majority of respondents in each age group gave a negative answer: 15-17 years old – 44%; 18-22 years old – 44.7%; 23-29 years old – 41.3% and in the 30-35 years old group – 44%, which indicates a misunderstanding of the vertical path of transmission from an HIV-infected mother to a child, more than 40% of negative responses from respondents in each the age group. Conclusion: The level of awareness of the population of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania on HIV infection is quite high. At the same time, the adolescent age group, which is the most vulnerable in matters of risky behavior, is the least informed about the ways of HIV transmission and requires special attention. The results of the study will make it possible to contribute to the development and implementation of HIV prevention measures/AIDS and related diseases in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.

HIV-infection in the Russian Federation: current diagnostic trends

The aim of the study: to analyse diagnostic trends of HIV-infection in the Russian Federation in the period 2017–2022. Materials and methods. The study used data obtained from reports from the Federal Register of persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (FRHIV). The circumstances in HIV diagnosis and clinical and epidemiological characteristics of newly diagnosed patients, including CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, were analysed. A likely time window between presumed infection and confirmation of HIV diagnosis was also determined. Categorical data evaluated in the study were presented as proportions and caparisoned using the chi-square test (χ2). In case of multiple comparisons, the Bonferroni correction for multiplicity was used. Quantitative data were tested for normality using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov criterion. In most cases, nonparametric characteristics of distributions — median and interquartile range — were applied, as well as the Mann-Whitney criteria for comparison of two independent groups and the Kraskell-Wallis criteria for comparison more than two groups, followed by pair wise comparisons using the Mann-Whitney criterion with Bonferroni multiplicity correction. A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Data analysis and graphical visualization was performed using the statistical software R version 4.1.1 and its libraries.Results and discussion. The results showed an increase in HIV detection through voluntary testing, preventive medical examination, and clinical indications. The proportion of injecting drug users (IDUs) decreased over time, while the involvement of women in the epidemic process and heterosexual transmission increased. Additionally, there was an increase in the proportion of patients aged 35 years and older. The analysis of CD4-cell counts revealed significant differences among gender and age subgroups. Women had higher absolute CD4-lymphocyte counts throughout the follow-up period. Patients aged 0–14 years had the highest proportion of CD4-lymphocytes over 500 cells/μL, while patients over 50 years old had the highest proportion of CD4-lymphocytes less than 200 cells/μL. Men who have sex with men and people infected through mother-to-child transmission had the highest mean baseline CD4-cell counts. IDUs and heterosexuals had a statistically significant decrease in CD4-cell counts over the follow-up period and also had the longest median time from infection to disease detection — 24 and 20 months, respectively.Conclusion: Thus, this study helps identify the most significant risk groups of HIV-infected individuals in Russia at present.

Trends of HIV Infection and Progress Towards the 95-95-95 Targets in Gambella Regional State from 2019 to 2023, Southwest ETHIOPIA.

In 2022, there were 1.3 million new HIV infections, 630,000 AIDS-related deaths, and 39.0 million HIV-positive individuals worldwide. To put the world on track to eradicate AIDS by 2030, there are ambitious goals and commitments for 2025. However, the likelihood of these goals being met or even close to being met is highly dependent on the trend of new HIV infection, the prevalence of the disease, the commitment and capability of leaders, and the application of the planned strategies to achieve the goal. To look trend of HIV infection is changing and how far we have come toward the three 95-95-95 goals in Gambella Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia, 2023. From August 1 to August 20, 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. This study included all HIV testing service clients who were enrolled in HIV care and treatment and had viral load records or tests. The data were gathered from the electronic form of the territorial reports of District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS-2). Reviewing regional DHIS-2, a standardized checklist was used. Epi-Data version 3.1 software was used to enter the data. SPSS version 25 was used for the analysis. The proposed objectives' trend was described using a descriptive statistic. The number of people living with HIV decreased by 4.5%, new HIV infections decreased by 42.28% and adult HIV prevalence decreased from 4.37% to 3.69% between 2019 and 2023. The finding showed that the region progress toward the 95-95-95 goals was 73%, 75% and 95% in 2023. In the Gambella region, HIV testing services and linking HIV-positive cases to HIV treatment have increased. Despite the good progress toward achieving the three 95 targets; first 95 targets for HIV diagnosis are impractical. As a result, adequate attention is required.

Prevalence and Trends of HIV Infection Among Blood Donors in Republic of Congo from 2016 to 2022

Prevalence and Trends of HIV Infection Among Blood Donors in Republic of Congo from 2016 to 2022

Current Trends of HIV Infection in the Russian Federation.

Russia remains one of the areas most affected by HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The aim of this study was to analyze HIV infection indicators and study trends in Russia using data from the Federal Statistic Form No. 61 "Information about HIV infection". HIV incidence, prevalence, HIV testing and mortality rates (from 2011 to 2022), and treatment success rates (from 2016 to 2022) were analyzed. These indicators were compared across different federal districts (FDs) of Russia. The findings revealed a significant downward trend in HIV incidence, while a significant upward trend was observed for HIV prevalence. The mortality rate has stabilized since 2018. The coverage of HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy increased over time. The number of people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) with a suppressed viral load in Russia as a whole varied between 72% and 77% during the years under observation. The Siberian and Ural federal districts recorded the highest HIV incidence, while the North Caucasian FD reported the lowest. An increase in HIV testing coverage was observed across all FDs. This comprehensive evaluation of HIV infection indicators within the regional context contributes to the timely implementation of measures aimed at preventing the spread of HIV.

Trends Analysis of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Treatment Outcome in Amhara Regional from 2015 to 2021, Northeast Ethiopia.

The persistent efforts of HIV/AIDS epidemiology remain one of the world's most important community health threats. To avoid becoming an epidemic, UNAIDS has set three 90% fast-track targets for 2020, and Ethiopia has also changed its implementation since 2015. However, the achievement targets in the Amhara region have yet to be evaluated at the end of the programme period. The aim of this study was to assess the Trends of HIV Infection and Antiretroviral Treatment outcome in Eastern Amhara Regional from 2015 to 2021, Northeast Ethiopia. A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the District Health Information System from 2015 to 2021. The collected data includes the trend of HIV testing services, the trend of HIV positivity, the yield of HIV testing approaches, the number of HIV positive patients linked to HIV care and treatment or access to lifelong antiretroviral therapy, viral load testing coverage, and viral suppression. A descriptive statistic and trend analysis were computed. A total of 145,639 people accessed antiretroviral therapy. The trend of HIV test positivity has been declining since 2015, peaking at 0.76% in 2015 and declining to 0.60% in 2020. A high level of positivity was reported in volunteer counselling and testing as compared with provider-initiated testing and counselling services. Following an HIV positive, there was an increase in linkage to HIV care and treatment. High suppression rates of viral load indicate testing coverage grew over time. The viral load monitoring coverage was 70% in 2021, with a viral suppression rate of 94%. The trend in achievement in the first 90s was not consistent with predefined goals (90%). On the other hand, there was good achievement in the second and third goals. Hence, intensified case-finding approaches to HIV testing should be strengthened.

Assessment of levels and trends of HIV infections among different subgroup populations of Gujarat State - Prioritization of the districts.

In India, HIV prevalence varies by region and high-risk groups. General population rates have decreased in high prevalence states through HIV Sentinel Surveillance among pregnant women, while low-moderate prevalence states show variable trends. Gujarat, in western India, has mixed HIV prevalence according to 2017 Sentinel Surveillance data. To study the level and trend of HIV positivity among pregnant women and high-risk groups (HRGs) across different districts of the state of Gujarat from year 2012-13 to 2016-17. To review the possible determinants of the HIV epidemic across the selected districts in the state of Gujarat. Data from the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) spanning 2012-17 was analyzed for HIV trends in Gujarat. This included combined HIV testing data from pregnant women at Integrated and Counseling Testing Centers, blood unit testing data from selected districts, and HIV testing among high-risk populations through Targeted Intervention sites. HIV cases in Kheda district declined post-2013-14 among pregnant women (0.38% to 0.21% in 2016-17), and in general ICTC clients (5.53% to 0.264% in 2017-18). MSM seropositivity dropped from 1.15% (2014-15) to 0.74% (2016-17), FSWs from 0.7% (2014-15) to 0.29% (2015-16). Contrastingly, blood donors exhibited an increasing trend, rising from 0.15% (2012-13) to 0.24% (2016-17). In Mehsana, ANC mother seropositivity rose to 0.6% (2013-14), fell to 0.32% (2015-16), and rose again to 0.48% (2016-17). General ICTC clients declined from 1.2% (2012-13) to 0.53% (2016-17). FSWs had 0.25% seropositivity (2015-16), while MSM saw a drop from 0.44% (2014-15) to 0.23% (2016-17). Blood donors' trend was inconsistent. Sabarkantha's pregnant women seropositivity dipped from 0.59% (2012-13) to 0.20% (2014-15), rising to 0.25% (2017-18). General ICTC client seropositivity decreased from 5.34% (2012-13) to 1.17% (2017-18). While declines in HIV prevalence are evident among certain groups such as pregnant women and general ICTC clients, there are fluctuations in seropositivity among high-risk populations like MSM, FSWs, and blood donors. These insights emphasize the need for targeted interventions and ongoing monitoring to effectively address the evolving HIV landscape in these districts.

Trends of HIV and syphilis prevalence among pregnant women in antenatal clinics in Togo: Analysis of sentinel serosurveillance results between 2008 and 2016

RésuméIntroductionLe but de notre étude était d'analyser les tendances de l'infection à VIH et de la syphilis chez les femmes enceintes en consultation prénatale (CPN) dans les structures de soins du Togo.MéthodesIl s'est agi d'une étude rétrospective analytique, couvrant la période de 2008 à 2016 et portant sur les femmes enceintes de 15 à 49 ans vues en CPN pour la première fois dans les services de santé maternelle et infantile au Togo.RésultatsDurant la période d’étude, 41 536 femmes enceintes ont été enregistrées. L’âge moyen des patientes était de 26 ± 6 ans en 2008, 2009 et 2010. La prévalence globale du VIH était passée de 3,4% en 2008 à 2,9% en 2016 (p = 0,0145). Elle est passée de 1% en 2008 à 0,5% en 2016 et de 3,6% en 2008 à 1,4% en 2016 (p < 0,0001) respectivement chez les 15-19 ans et les 20-24 ans. La prévalence de la syphilis baisse de façon significative de 2008 (1,3%) à 2016 (0,6%), (p < 0,0001). Elle est faible et non associée à l’âge en 2008, alors qu'elle était de 0,2% et 0,4% en 2016 respectivement dans la tranche d’âge de 15-19 ans et de 20-24 ans.ConclusionNotre étude documente une prévalence relativement faible de la syphilis et du VIH chez la femme enceinte au Togo, avec une baisse significative chez les adolescentes et les jeunes femmes témoignant de l'efficacité de l'augmentation du dépistage et de la prévention globale des IST, du VIH y compris l'approche traitement antirétroviral comme prévention (TASP, Treatment as prevention), et du programme d’élimination de la syphilis néonatale dans le pays.

Sub-regional Trend of HIV Infection Among Antenatal Clinic Attendees in Andhra Pradesh (2003-2019).

The analyses of local risks at sub-national levels and tailored interventions are being emphasized for effective HIV management. Andhra Pradesh (AP) is a high HIV prevalence state in India, with the second-highest number of People with HIV (PWH) and a consistent decline in HIV prevalence at the state level. Probing further into the region and district-wise levels and trends of HIV prevalence will provide critical insights into sub-regional epidemic patterns. Hence, this paper analyzes the regional and district-level trends of HIV prevalence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics (ANC) from 2003 to 2019 in AP, South India. HIV prevalence data collected from pregnant women in AP during HIV Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) between 2003 and 2019 was used for trend analysis. The consistent sites were grouped into three regions (Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Uttar Andhra), totaling 39 sites, including 21 rural and 18 urban sites. Regional and district-level HIV prevalence was analyzed using the Chisquare trend test, and spatial analysis was done using QGIS software. For the last three HSS rounds, HIV prevalence based on sociodemographic variables was calculated to understand the factors contributing to HIV positivity in each region. In total, 143,211 pregnant women were recruited. HIV prevalence in AP was 0.30% (95% CI: 0.22 - 0.39) in 2019. The prevalence was 0.31%, 0.35% and 0.22% in Coastal Andhra, Rayalaseema and Uttar Andhra, respectively. HIV prevalence had significantly (P < 0.05) declined in all regions. The overall trend indicated that the HIV prevalence was higher among older pregnant women and in urban regions. However, recent trends consistently report HIV positivity among young and new pregnant mothers, illiterates, and rural regions. The overall trend indicated that the HIV prevalence was higher among older pregnant women and in urban regions. However, recent trends consistently report HIV positivity among young and new pregnant mothers, illiterates, and rural regions. Identifying the contextual risk patterns associated with HIV transmission will further improve HIV preventive and management programs among the general population.

Trends in HIV infection incidence in Tyumen Region from 1993 to 2019

Aim. To evaluate the epidemiological trends in HIV infection in the Tyumen Region between 1993 and 2019.Materials and Methods. We studied incidence and prevalence of HIV infection in the Tyumen Region and assessed the pathways of HIV transmission on ascending stages of the epidemic process using the Cramer’s V, a measure of an association between two nominal variables. Gender involvement into the epidemic process was assessed using the McNemar’s test for paired nominal data whilst age involvement was evaluated by means of Pearson’s chi-squared test. The statistical results of calculating the linear correlation were considered signifcant at p&lt;0.05.Results. We subdivided the entire period of HIV epidemic (1993−2019) into the fve time frames. During the frst interval (from 1993 to 1997), a moderate increase in HIV infection was recorded. The second interval (from 1998 to 2000) was notable for a remarkable increase in the incidence of HIV infection, while this increment was reduced from 2001 to 2005. Yet, the incidence of HIV infection showed a steady increase from 2006 to 2016, although being lower in 2017 to 2019. The average incidence of HIV infection from 1993 to 2019 was 67.35 ± 7.6 per 100,000 population. The proportion of women among the HIV infection cases increased from 25.0% in 1993-1997 to 40.5% in 2017-2019. Since 2004, there has been a decrease in the HIV infection incidence in the age group ≤ 29 years of age, with a concurrent increase in older age groups. Since 2014, the majority of new HIV infection cases are registered between 30 and 34 years of age. Currently, there is a clear trend to rise of HIV infection incidence in older age groups (21.8% between 30 and 34 years of age, 21.9% between 35 and 39 years of age, and 16.4% between 40 and 44 years of age).Conclusions. Despite the lowering incidence of HIV infection in the Tyumen Region from 2017 to 2019, it still remains high. HIV infection is increasingly frequent in women and between 30 and 39 years of age.

Prevalence and Trends in HIV Infection and Testing Among Adults in the United States: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 1999-2018.

HIV antibody testing has been included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, for ages 18-49 since 1999 and for ages 18-59 years since 2009 enabling estimation of trends in HIV prevalence as part of national surveillance in the U.S. household population. Self-reported HIV testing and antiretroviral use was also included in the survey since 1999. A continuous household-based probability sample of the U.S. population. From 1999 to 2018, 29,020 participants age 18-49 years were tested for HIV antibody and 34,092 participants age 18-59 years were asked about self-report of any previous HIV testing. HIV prevalence was 0.41% among those aged 18-59 in 2009-2018 with a nonsignificant trend over time among those aged 18-49 years from 1999-2002 to 2015-2018. However, significant declines in prevalence were seen among those aged 18-39 years (0.37%-0.11%), women (0.22%-0.06%) and non-Hispanic black persons (2.14%-0.80%). Participants aged 18-39 years self-reported a decline in HIV testing, whereas those aged 40-49 and 50-59 years, non-Hispanic black persons and women reported an increase in getting a HIV test. Prevalence of infection and self-reported history of HIV testing varied by demographic and risk groups. HIV testing among HIV-positive persons was 83.9%. Antiretroviral therapy among those HIV-positive was under 50%. Although total HIV prevalence and previous self-reported HIV testing remained stable for the last 20 years, there were significant declines in age and demographic subgroups. Prevalence for both outcomes varied by demographic and risk variables.

Analysis of the main indicators of socially dangerous sexually transmitted diseases

Annotation. Today, socially dangerous diseases are an urgent interdepartmental, interdisciplinary problem around the world, the key main feature of which is its mass nature. The purpose of the present degree work is to analyze the dynamics of the main indicators of socially dangerous sexually transmitted diseases in the national and regional aspects. The epidemiological retrospective study included a study of the situation by analyzing existing directories, bulletins, databases and other electronic resources for the period of 2015–2019. Was done the statistical processing of the intensive indicators of morbidity and prevalence of cofactor socially dangerous sexually transmitted diseases – HIV/STIs. Methods of research – epidemiological, medical, and statistical. It is proved that the incidence rates of classical STIs for the years 2015–2019 decreased annually: syphilis – by (-) 22.3% (from 7.6 to 5.9 per 100 thousand people) in Ukraine and (-) 43.8% (from 8.9 to 5.0 in 2019) in the Vinnytsia region; gonococcal infection – by (-) 42.2% (from 13.5 to 7.8) and (-) 63.3% (from 7.9 to 2.9), respectively. Some risk groups were distinguished by the demographic criteria: sex – male; age groups – 40–59 years (syphilis – 41.8%), 20–34 years (gonorrhea – 56.4%). It is determined that national and regional indicators of morbidity and prevalence of HIV infection have been growing annually: morbidity by (+) 14.2% and (+) 1.6% in Vinnytsia region; prevalence — by (+) 5.5% and (+) 18.6%, respectively. It was also established that among newly diagnosed HIV-positive in 2019 was the highest percentage was among men (58.7%) and in the age group – 25–49 years (69.0%). In the structure of the ways of transmission of the latter, the first place was taken by the sex act – 73.6%. The results of the study of existing trends in the incidence and prevalence of socially dangerous sexually transmitted diseases revealed their comparability with global trends in HIV infection and the opposite of classical STIs, which are caused by the governmental and systemic barriers. Further development of scientific research involves the study of the main risk factors that contribute to the emergence, rapid spread of STIs and determine their rank indicator significance.

Trend of HIV Infection in a Specialized Medical Unit, 2007- 2016

Trend of HIV Infection in a Specialized Medical Unit, 2007- 2016

The declining trend of HIV-Infection among pregnant women in Cameroon infers an epidemic decline in the general population

BackgroundHIV remains a generalised epidemic in Cameroon, with regular sentinel surveillance surveys (SSS) conducted among pregnant women to monitor the epidemiological dynamics, and for strategic policy making. Our main objective was to actualise data on HIV epidemiology, and compare the trends overtime among pregnant women versus data from the general population in Cameroon. MethodsSentinel surveillance was conducted in 2016 among pregnant women in the 10 regions (60 sites) of Cameroon, targeting 7,000 first antenatal care (ANC-1) attendees (4,000 in urban; 3,000 in rural). HIV testing was done following the serial national algorithm at the National Public Health Laboratory. Results of 2016 were compared with 2009 and 2012 dataset, alongside reports from the general population; with p < 0.05 considered statistical significant. FindingsA total of 6,859 ANC-1 (97.99% sampling) were enrolled in 2016, with 99.19% (6,513/6,566) acceptability for HIV testing; similar to performances in 2009 and 2012 (>99%). National prevalence of HIV was 5.70% (389/6,819), similar between urban (5.58%) and rural (5.87%) settings. HIV prevalence among pregnant women declined significantly from 2009 (7.6%), 2012 (7.8%) to 2016 (5.7%), p < 0.0001; with a similar declining trend in the general population: from 2004 (5.5%), 2011 (4.3%) to 2017 (3.4%), p < 0.0001. Difference between SSS and the population-based survey was non-significant (r = 0.6; p = 0.285). Following geographical settings, HIV prevalence was higher in urban vs. rural settings from 2009-2012 (p < 0.0001), followed by similar rates in 2016. Early-age infection (15–24 years) decreased from 6.7% in 2009 to 3.4% in 2016, with remarkable declines in new infections within the age ranges 15–19 years (5.1%–1.57%) and 20–24 years (7.8%–4.39%). InterpretationWith high acceptability in HIV testing, the prevalence of HIV-infection through SSS indicates a declining but generalised epidemic among pregnant women in Cameroon. Of note, as the declining prevalence among pregnant women also reflects an epidemic reduction in the general population, SSS represents an efficient strategy to understand the dynamics of HIV epidemics in the general Cameroonian population, pending validation by periodic population surveys.

Status on maternal testing and detection of HIV infection among pregnant women in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan province, 2008-2016

Objective: To understand the status of maternal testing, detection and trends of HIV infection among pregnant women in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (Liangshan) of Sichuan province during 2008-2016. Methods: Data were collected from the monthly work report on maternal HIV testings and the case-reporting records of HIV-positive pregnant women, from the National Management Information System of China's Prevention of Mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and HBV Program. Descriptive method was applied to show both the maternal HIV and predelivery HIV testing rates and maternal HIV positive rates as well as the distribution in different counties, between 2008 and 2016. Results: During 2008-2016, both maternal HIV test rates and predelivery maternal HIV testing increased from 40.7% (8 191/20 125) and 8.0% (1 607/20 125) to 95.7% (88 000/91 946) and 70.1% (64 421/91 946), respectively (trend χ(2)=94 497.28, P<0.001; trend χ(2)=90 655.03, P<0.001). A total of 3 271 HIV-positives were detected from 436 519 pregnant women, with the HIV positive rate as 0.75% (95%CI: 0.72%-0.77%). Among 3 271 HIV-positive pregnant women, 1 527 (46.7%) of them were tested at labor. The maternal HIV-positive rates at labor increased yearly (trend χ(2)=9.21, P=0.002). In 2016, the maternal HIV-positive rate at labor was 1.32% (95%CI: 1.18%-1.47%), which was higher than that (0.67%, 95%CI: 0.61%-0.73%) in the pregnant women who received HIV test predelivery (χ(2)=88.23, P<0.001). The maternal HIV- positive rates in Butuo, Zhaojue, Jinyang, Meigu, and Yuexi counties all appeared ≥1%, in 2016,respectively. Conclusions: The maternal HIV test rates increased in Liangshan during 2008-2016, but the maternal HIV test rates at labor were relatively high. The HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Liangshan was severe and late for pregnant women to receive testing.

Current risk factors for HIV infection among blood donors in seven Chinese regions.

In China, there is a rising concern on the increasing trends of HIV infections in high-risk groups, who make blood donations that might potentially challenge the blood safety. Analyses on current risk factors for HIV infection among Chinese blood donors are urgently needed for developing effective strategies to defer high-risk donors and to warrant the safety of the blood supply. We recruited 313 HIV-positive and 762 HIV-negative donors from seven study sites in China and evaluated donor demographic characteristics, current medical and behavioral risk factors associated with HIV infection in a case-control survey. Univariable analyses examined the relationship between HIV infection and donor and donation characteristics, medical and behavioral risks, living conditions, and lifestyles. Multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated the association between selected individual risks and HIV infection. Regression tree analysis was used to select covariates correlated with both HIV infection and individual risks and thus need to be controlled for in logistic regression models. Being a man who has sex with men was associated with the highest odds of HIV infection. Not using a condom, having sex with HIV-infected individuals, having sex partners with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), having more than two concurrent sex partners, or having an STD were all associated with more than five times higher odds of having HIV. Having remunerated sex was associated with a 2.4 increased odds of having HIV infection. High-risk sexual behaviors were among the major risks for HIV infection among Chinese blood donors.

Determination of antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus type 1&2&O and P24 – antigen in pregnant women in port harcourt Nigeria

ABSTRACTThe need for a cure against HIV infection and a need to improve HIV screening amongst low risk population such as pregnant women have been an issue since the emergence of HIV. Therefore, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was adopted to determine the prevalence of antibodies to HIV-1/2/O and P24 antigen among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Estimating the HIV seropositivity in pregnant women will offer vital information for monitoring the trend of HIV infection in the general population and assist in prevention from mother-to-child transmission. The occurrence of antibodies to HIV type 1/2/O and P24 antigen among the pregnant women was investigated using fourth-generation ELISA. The influence of the women’s age, marital status, occupation, educational status and gestation period on the prevalence of these antibodies against HIV type 1/2/O and P24 antigen was also considered. Of the 86 pregnant women, 14 were found to be HIV-positive with seropositivity rate of 32.6%. Majority of HIV seropositive women (41.2%) were in the age group of 31–42 years. Higher seropositivity was observed among singles (50.0%), those with secondary education (44.7%), unemployed (47.8%) and in those in their third trimester (40.0%). Additionally, this study observed high seropositivity of antibodies to HIV type 1, 2, O and P24 antigen among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria and calls for urgent and concerted efforts aimed at promoting behavioral and socio-cultural practices that could change the current high rate of HIV seropositivity amongst pregnant women in Nigeria. A combination of preventive strategies such as the use of condoms, breaking the chain of transmission within sexual networks by prompt treatment and reducing the amount of unsafe sexual behavior, promoting sexual abstinence and behavioral change from high-risk behavior are advocated.

PERSONALIZED COGNITIVE COUNSELING IN PREVENTING RISK BEHAVIOR AMONG MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM): A LITERATURE REVIEW

The current trend of HIV infection shows an increase in cases among men who have sex with men (MSM). Risk behavior in MSM has shown a high prevalence of moderate and worrying risk behaviors for HIV infection, including unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) and drug use. This literature review aims to explore the effectiveness of Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC) interventions in reducing risk behaviors for HIV transmission to MSM. Articles discussed in this literature study were obtained from several databases using the keywords “personalized cognitive counseling," “men who have sex with men," and "risk behavior." Cognitive counseling interventions are effective in reducing episodes of anal intercourse. Adapted Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC) intervention also has been effective in reducing sexual risk behavior in drug users MSM. This intervention is possible and essential to developing in dealing with risk behavior in MSM that tends to increase in its population.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: cognitive counseling, personalized cognitive counseling, men who have sex with men (MSM), risk behavior

HIV INFECTION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN

The aim of this study was to characterize the situation of HIV infection among pregnant women in the Republic of Bashkortostan in 2013-2017 on the basis of a comprehensive retrospective analysis of indicators.A comprehensive retrospective analysis of statistical data on 2734 cases of pregnancies of HIV-infected women who were on dispensary observation at the Republican center for prevention and control of AIDS and infectious diseases in the period from 2013 to 2017 was carried out. The prevalence of HIV infection in pregnant women during the study period tended to increase annually from 656.4 to 857.8 per 100 thousand pregnancies. The prevalence of HIV infection among pregnant women who have completed pregnancy by childbirth increased from 650.7 to 795.0 per 100 thousand women who gave birth. The incidence of HIV infection among pregnant women, reflecting the first identified cases, increased from 248.4 to 267.1 per 100 thousand pregnancies. The proportion of newly diagnosed HIV infections among pregnant women in the structure of the overall HIV incidence has decreased from 7.92% to 6.03%. The main route of HIV infection of pregnant women was sexual, the average for the period of its specific weight was 92.6±4.0%, the parenteral pathway accounted for 7.4±4.0%. There is a steady change in the age structure of HIV-infected pregnant women with first time established diagnosis, towards the age group of 21-30 years. If in 2013, the structure was dominated by pregnant women aged 31-40 years (60.2%), in 2017 the first place was the age group of 21-30 years (47.9%). On average, 24.7±2.3% of HIV-infected women were admitted to the study period under observation up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. The rate of vertical transmission of HIV infection averaged 2.9±1.0% over the period. Determination of the main trends of HIV infection among pregnant women, allows to assess the effectiveness of the implemented therapeutic and preventive measures, to develop and implement new methods of organization of medical care of this category of population, aimed at reducing the spread of the disease.