Epidemiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS in Zhaoqing from 2013 to 2017

Objective To provide some references for formulating effective prevention and control strategies in the future analyzing the epidemiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS in Zhaoqing from 2013 to 2017. Methods The descriptive epidemiological analysis was used to analyzed the HIV/AIDS historical data in Zhaoqing from 2013 to 2017, which were collected from the HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment Information System in the National Disease Prevention and Treatment Information System. Results From 2013 to 2017, the overall epidemic situation of HIV/AIDS in Zhaoqing showed a trend to grow at first and then decline, and the death cases showed a trend of decline, but the AIDS cases and their death cases had a trend of rise. Up to 2017, Fengkai County had the most cases (415 cases), accounting for 19.10% of the total number of cases. Except the Dinghu district and high-tech zone, the numbers of living cases in other counties were above 100, on a moderate epidemic level. The highest death rate was in Deqing county, with 201 cases, accounting for 59.47% of the total cases in the jurisdiction. Among the new cases from 2013 to 2017, the gender ratio of male to female was 3.16:1. The number of male HIV cases was relatively high, 495 cases, accounting for 45.21% of the total number of new cases. In addition, the number of male HIV cases increased first and then decreased, and the number of male AIDS cases increased as a whole. Most of the cases were 40 or over 40 years old, accounting for 68.04% (745/1 095) of the total number of cases. Cases in the high age group above 50 accounted for a large proportion, fluctuating around 47.13%. Deqing had the largest proportion of cases over 50 years old, with 101 cases, accounting for 64.33% (101/157) of the new cases in the jurisdiction. The cases were mainly from junior middle schools, accounting for 45.48% (498/1 095) of the total number of cases. The samples were mainly from the "tests of patients in medical institutions" , accounting for 62.65%(686/1 095) of the total cases. The main route of transmission was heterosexual transmission, accounting for 83.84%(918/1 095). Heterosexual transmission first rose and then fell down, while homosexual transmission showed an increasing trend year by year. The county with the largest proportion of heterosexual transmission was Dinghu district, about 90.70% (39/43). And the county with the largest proportion of homosexual transmission was high-tech zone, about 38.46%(5/13). Conclusion The overall epidemic trend of HIV/AIDS in Zhaoqing is rising. The male cases are particularly prevalent. AIDS cases and deaths are still on the rise. The cases are mainly middle-aged and elderly, and the proportion of high age group over 50 years old increases year by year. The cases have a low level of education. The case samples come from a single source. Heterosexual transmission dominates, while homosexual transmission continues to rise. The epidemic situation in each county shows a moderate epidemic level. Fengkai county has more cases and grows fast. Deqing county has a higher proportion of deaths. Therefore, we should continue to expand the detection efforts, increase the publicity of key groups, and carry out targeted intervention measures. Key words: HIV/AIDS; Epidemic epidemiology; Prevention and control strategies