Changing epidemiological patterns of HIV and AIDS in China in the post-SARS era identified by the nationwide surveillance system

An Assessment of Trends in HIV-1 Prevalence and Incidence and Spatio-Temporal Analyses of HIV-1 Recent Infection Among MSM During the Surveillance Period Between 2018 and 2022 in Sichuan, China

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) is one main type of high-risk activities facilitating HIV-1 transmission in Sichuan province. Previous works on HIV-1 incidence and prevalence among MSM only concentrated before 2018, the situation after that is unknown. In addition, the distribution of hot-spots related to current HIV-1 epidemic is also rarely known among MSM in Sichuan.

Objective

To update trends of HIV-1 prevalence and incidence and to visualize hot-spots of ongoing transmission in Sichuan province during surveillance period among MSM between 2018 and 2022.

Methods

Limiting Antigen Avidity assay was performed to detect recent infection within new HIV-1 diagnoses founded during surveillance period among MSM. The HIV-1 prevalence and incidence were calculated according to an extrapolation method proposed by publications and guidelines. Trend tests were performed using χ2 tests with linear-by-linear association. The spatial analysis was conducted with ArcGIS 10.7 to figure hot-spots of HIV-1 recent infections among MSM.

Results

Between 2018 and 2022, 16,697 individuals participated in HIV-1 MSM sentinel surveillance program, of which 449 samples (98.25%) were tested with LAg-Avidity EIA, and 230 samples were classified as recent infection. Respectively, the overall prevalence and incidence were 2.74% and 3.69% (95% CI: 3.21, 4.16) and both had significant declining trends (p < 0.001). Luzhou city had a highest HIV-1 incidence (10.74%, 95% CI: 8.39, 13.10) over the study period and was recognized as a hot-spot for recent HIV-1 infection among MSM.

Conclusion

During the surveillance period, both HIV-1 prevalence and incidence were declining. However, Luzhou city had an unusually high HIV-1 incidence and became an emerging hot-spot of recent HIV-1 infection among MSM. This finding suggested focused attention, cross-regional intervention strategies, and prevention programs are urgently required to curb the spread of ongoing transmission.

The Update of HIV-1 Prevalence and Incidence and Spatio-Temporal Analyses of HIV Recent Infection Among Four Sub-Groups in Sichuan, China During Surveillance Period Between 2016 and 2022

Background

Sichuan Province has gradually become a hot-spot for HIV/AIDS. Little is known about the HIV-1 incidence and prevalence among four sub-groups since 2015. Meanwhile, the distributions of hot-spot areas related to recent infection cases that indicate current transmission among the four subgroups are also rare.

Objective

The main purpose of this study was to assess the HIV-1 prevalence and incidence and to visualize the distributions of hot-spot areas of current transmission among four subgroups (people who inject drugs, male STD clinic attendees, female sex workers and men who had sex with men) during the surveillance period in Sichuan province between 2016 and 2022.

Results

Of the 267,617 individuals, 2158 HIV-positive samples were tested with Lag-Avidity EIA, among which 493 samples were identified as recent infections. Among people who inject drugs (PWID), both HIV-1 prevalence (from 1.41% to 0.34%) and incidence (from 0.03% to 0.140%) showed a significant decreasing trend. Among men who had sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSWs), and male STD clinic attendees, HIV-1 prevalence indicated significant decreasing trends, whereas HIV-1 incidence showed no significant changes. Spatial analysis demonstrated the formation of hot-spots and clusters of current transmissions sharing regional differences, mainly concentrated in the southeast, and most of these were consecutive hot-spots.

Conclusion

The prevention and control were efficacious and persistent. However, among the other three subgroups, there is a need for a regional cooperative in prevention and control approaches and collaborative research in many aspects.

Roles of Social Capital in the Association Between Internalized Homophobia and Condomless Sex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Southwest China: A Four-Way Decomposition

Objectives: This study examined whether social capital (SC) mediated the association between internalized homophobia (IH) and condomless sex among men who have sex with men (MSM), with the interaction of SC and IH considered. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2018 and April 2019 in Sichuan Province, China. A total of 540 participants were recruited to investigate their IH, SC, and condomless sex. A four-way decomposition of causal mediation analysis was used to test SC's roles in the association between IH and condomless sex. Results: Condomless sex was prevalent (46.7%) among the participants, which was significantly associated with IH [odds ratio (OR) = 1.70] and SC (OR = 0.55). A direct effect [excess risk ratio (RR = 0.32)] and an indirect effect (excess RR = 0.16) of SC were found to be significant in the association between IH and condomless sex. Heterogeneities in effects were observed when taking the SC's domains (e.g., individual and family-based SC) as mediators. SC's effects were significant only in the homosexual subgroup. Conclusion: IH-based intervention with consideration of SC can be tailored to MSM to decrease condomless sex and curb the spread of HIV, especially for the homosexual subgroup.

A More Comprehensive Clinical and Laboratory Characterization of 61 Acute HIV Infection Patients in Southwest China

Acute HIV infection (AHI), i.e., the early stage of HIV infection, plays an important role in immune system failure and HIV transmission, but most AHI patients are missed due to their non-specific symptoms. To facilitate the identification of patients with high AHI risk and reduction of missed diagnosis, we characterized 61 AHI patients in a Southwest China hospital with 4300 beds; specifically, we characterized their general clinical characteristics, evolution in results of a novel HIV screening assay called Elecsys^® HIV Duo, and by programming, we analyzed the ability of all routine laboratory tests (e.g., routine blood analysis) to identify AHI patients. Among 61 AHI patients, 85.2% were male and the median age was 42 (interquartile range, 25-62) years. A total of 61.9% of patients visit the emergency department first during AHI. Clinical presentation of AHI patients included fever, fatigue, chills, rash, and various respiratory, digestive, and nervous system symptoms. Two of three results from Elecsys^® HIV Duo show clear evolution trends: HIV P24 antigen decreased while HIV antibody increased in consecutive samples of nearly all patients. High fluorescence lymphocytes have a very high positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 10.33 and a relatively high "rate of out-of-range tests" of 56.8% (21 in 37 patients who received this test had a result outside the reference range). In addition, we identified more than ten tests with LR+ greater than two. In summary, the emergency department is important for AHI screening. The evolution of HIV P24 Ag and HIV Ab and those laboratory tests with a high "rate of out-of-range tests" or high LR+ may aid the AHI identification and missed diagnosis reduction.

Young MSM changed temporal HIV-1 epidemic pattern in Heilongjiang Province, China

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemic in China is featured by geographical diversity of epidemic patterns. Understanding the characteristics of regional HIV-1 epidemic allows carrying out targeted prevention and controlling measures. This seven-year cross-sectional study was conducted in Heilongjiang, one province of Northeast China, where newly diagnosed infection is fast increasing yearly, but temporal HIV-1 epidemic trend is largely unknown.

Methods

Information of 1,006 newly diagnosed HIV-1-infected participants were collected before antiretroviral therapy during 2010-2016 in Heilongjiang province. HIV-1 genotype was identified based on the viral gag and env gene sequences. Recent infection was determined by Limiting-Antigen Avidity assays. Comparison analyses on the median ages, CD4 counts, proportions of stratified age groups and CD4 count groups, and rates of recent HIV-1 infection among different population and sampling times were performed to understand temporal HIV-1 epidemic features.

Results

Homosexual contact among men who have sex with men (MSM) was the main transmission route and CRF01_AE was the most dominant HIV-1 genotype. During 2010-2016, the HIV-1 epidemic showed three new changes: the median age continued to decline, the cases with a CD4 count more than 500 cells/μl (CD4hi cases) disproportionally expanded, and the recent HIV-1 infection rate steadily increased. MSM cases determined the temporal trend of HIV-1 epidemic here. Increase of young MSM cases (aged <30 years) made the main contribution to the younger age trend of MSM cases. These young MSM exhibited a higher median CD4 count, a higher proportion of CD4hi cases, and a higher rate of recent HIV-1 infection than cases aged 30 years and more. MSM infected by CRF01_AE virus mostly affected HIV-1 epidemic patterns among MSM population.

Conclusion

Young MSM have become a new hotspot and vulnerable group for HIV-1 transmission in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. The rapid increase in the number of young MSM cases, mainly those with CRF01_AE infection, changed temporal HIV-1 epidemic pattern here. Measures for prevention and control of HIV-1 infection among this population are urgently needed in the future.

Changes of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden globally and in China over three decades: a secondary analysis of global HIV statistics

BACKGROUND

A more comprehensive understanding of the trends of incidence, prevalence, and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and their complex interrelationships, may provide important evidence for decision-making related to HIV prevention and control. The variances in these indices between different population groups, genders, and ages are critical to decipher evolving patterns of the HIV epidemic in specific populations.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of relevant data was conducted using data extracted from the Global Burden of Disease study of 2019. HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) incidence, prevalence, AIDS-related mortality, and mortality-to-prevalence ratio (MPR) for annual percentage change, average annual percentage change (AAPC), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using joinpoint regression statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The AAPC of HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence, AIDS-related mortality rate, and MPR were -1.4 (95% CI: -1.6, -1.2), 4.1 (95% CI: 4.0, 4.3), 2.0 (95% CI: 1.7, 2.3), and -2.1 (95% CI: -2.3, -1.8) between 1990 and 2019 globally, and were 3.5 (95% CI: 2.2, 4.8), 6.9 (95% CI: 6.8, 7.0), 8.1 (95% CI: 7.1, 9.1), and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.1, 2.3) in China during the same period. In terms of differences in the preceding indicators by gender, we observed a similar pattern of trends for male and female genders both globally and in China during the entire study period. Each specific age group exhibits a distinct pattern in terms of incidence, prevalence, mortality rate, and MPR both globally and in China.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence and mortality rates of HIV/AIDS have increased between 1990 and 2019 globally and in China. While the incidence rate and MPR have declined globally over the past three decades, these two indicators are observed to present an increasing trend in China. There is a high HIV burden among young and middle-aged adults globally; however, the elderly have a high HIV burden in China. HIV screening at older age should be scaled up, and patients with advanced HIV disease should be provided early with additional care and health resources.

An exploratory transmission mode of HIV/AIDS among older people based on data from multiple sources in China

The HIV/AIDS cases and proportion in older people are continuously and rapidly increasing in China, especially in males. However, the transmission mechanism is not well understood. This study aims to explore the transmission mechanism of HIV/AIDS and potential ways to prevent or control HIV/AIDS transmission in a city in southwestern China. Data from multiple sources, including HIV/AIDS case reports in 2010–2020, a survey of HIV/AIDS cases in 2020, and sentinel surveillance data of female sex workers (FSWs) in 2016–2020 were analyzed. We explored the transmission mechanism of HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and older. In this city, the number of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases aged 50 years and older increased from 2010 to 2019, and decreased in 2020. The number of male and female cases aged 50 years and older both increased rapidly in 2017–2019, though the number of male cases was larger than that of female. The survey data showed that 84.7% of older male cases reported commercial sexual behavior, among whom 87.7% reported never using condom and 37.6% reported more than 10 times of commercial sexual behaviors in 1 year. In terms of price of sexual behavior, 68.3% of older male cases sought low-tier FSWs among whom the HIV/AIDS positive rate was 5.4% from the sentinel surveillance data. These results suggested HIV transmission between older men and low-tier FSWs through commercial sexual behavior. Among female cases aged 50 years and older, most reported non-marital and non-commercial heterosexual (60.5%) or regular sexual partner (31.4%) transmission, suggesting that they were infected by their spouse/regular sexual partner. Data of matched couples showed that most male cases had both marital sexual behavior and commercial sexual behavior, or acquired HIV through commercial sexual behavior, while most female cases had only marital sexual behavior. Based on these findings, we proposed a transmission mode of that local older male people and FSWs are transmitting bilaterally through commercial sexual behavior, and local older male people are spreading to local older female people through spouse or regular sexual partner route. By studying data from multiple sources, we explored the HIV transmission mode among older people. In the meantime, we found that marital status had a different impact on male and female old people in their sex behaviors.

Misdiagnosis of HIV With Toxoplasmosis Encephalopathy With Progressive Memory Loss as the Initial Symptom: A Case Report

Toxoplasmosis encephalopathy (TE) is a kind of encephalopathy parasitic disease caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is the most common opportunistic for central system infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or human immunodeficiency virus. Without early diagnosis and proper treatment, this opportunistic infection can be life-threatening. The common clinical manifestations of the disease include altered mental state, epilepsy, cranial nerve damage, paresthesia, cerebellar signs, meningitis, motor disorders, and neuropsychiatry. The most common presentation in about 75% of cases is a subacute episode of focal neurological abnormalities such as hemiplegia, personality changes, or aphasia. Imaging needs to be differentiated from multiple sclerosis, lymphoma, and metastases. We report a case of acquired immune deficiency syndrome complicated with toxoplasma encephalopathy with rapid progressive memory loss as the initial symptom and misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis. Through the comprehensive analysis of the clinical symptoms and imaging examination of this disease, we hope to enhance the confidence of clinicians in the diagnosis of this disease.

Survey of pretreatment HIV drug resistance and the genetic transmission networks among HIV-positive individuals in southwestern China, 2014-2020

Background

Pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) can limit the effectiveness of HIV antiretroviral therapy (ART). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of PDR among HIV-positive individuals that initiated antiretroviral therapy in 2014–2020 in southwestern China.

Methods

Consecutive cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Qinzhou, Guangxi. We obtained blood samples from individuals who were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2014–2020. PDR and genetic networks analyses were performed by HIV-1 pol sequences using the Stanford HIV-database algorithm and HIV-TRACE, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the potential factors associated with PDR.

Results

In total, 3236 eligible HIV-positive individuals were included. The overall prevalence of PDR was 6.0% (194/3236). The PDR frequency to NNRTI (3.3%) was much higher than that of NRTI (1.7%, p < 0.001) and PI (1.2%, p < 0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PDR was significantly higher among individuals aged 18–29 (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.79, 95% CI 1.28–2.50) or 30–49 (aOR: 2.82, 95% CI 1.73–4.82), and harboring CRF08_BC (aOR: 3.23, 95% CI 1.58–6.59). A total of 1429 (43.8%) sequences were linked forming transmission clusters ranging in size from 2 to 119 individuals. Twenty-two individuals in 10 clusters had the same drug resistant mutations (DRMs), mostly to NNRTIs (50%, 5/10).

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of PDR was medium, numerous cases of the same DRMs among genetically linked individuals in networks further illustrated the importance of surveillance studies for mitigating PDR.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06847-5.

Health economics modeling of antiretroviral interventions amongst HIV serodiscordant couples

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV-serodiscordant couples, effectively reduce mortality, transmission events and influence quality of life at the expense of increased costs. We aimed to evaluate health economics of antiretroviral-based strategies for HIV-serodiscordant couples in the China context. A deterministic model of HIV evolution and transmission within a cohort of serodiscordant couples was parameterized using the real-world database of Zhoukou city and published literature. We evaluated the mid-ART (a historical strategy, initiating ART with CD4 < 500 cells/mm³), early-ART (the current strategy, offering ART regardless of CD4 cell counts) and a hypothetical strategy (early-ART combined short-term daily PrEP) versus the late-ART (the baseline strategy, initiating ART with CD4 < 350 cells/mm³) offered by 2008 national guidelines. We estimated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) and incremental cost-utility ratios (ICUR) from a societal perspective, derived by clinical benefits and HIV-caused life quality respectively, and portrayed their changes over a 0-30 year's timeframe. The model projections indicated that the antiretroviral-based interventions were more likely to obtain clinical benefits but difficult to improve quality of life, and cumulative ICER and ICUR were generally decreasing without achieving cost-saving. Scale-up access to ART for the HIV-positive among serodiscordant couples was easily fallen within the range of paying for incremental life-years and quality adjusted life years by the societal willingness. The hypothetical strategy had the potential to prevent most seroconversion events within marriages but required enormous upfront costs, thus it took a long time to reach established thresholds. The current strategy of early-ART is the most cost-effective. Clarifying the obstacles of high cost of PrEP and improving life quality for HIV-serodiscordant couples have emerged as an urgent requisition.

Shift in HIV/AIDS Epidemic and Factors Associated with False Positives for HIV Testing: A Retrospective Study from 2013 to 2018 in Xi'an, China

BACKGROUND

In China, although quite a few bold programmes have been made for HIV/AIDS, the epidemic has still shown an increasing trend.

OBJECTIVES

The study was aimed to investigate the characteristics of new HIV/AIDS and the major factors of false positives (FP) for HIV testing.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed in a teaching hospital in Xi'an between 2013 and 2018. The overall characteristics and trends of new HIV/AIDS were described. Moreover, the major factors of FP were determined by the Pareto analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 469 new HIV/AIDS were diagnosed, with an increasing prevalence of the new HIV/AIDS from 0.0626% (41/65503) in 2013 to 0.0827% (115/139046) in 2018. Of them, the majority occurred in the males (88.50%), people aged 21-50 years (76.97%), migrants (60.98%), and sexual contact route (88.70%). There was a rapid increase in the annual number of new HIV/AIDS and increasing trends in groups of young individuals, students, and homosexual mode; however, a downward trend in the percentage of injecting drug use was also observed. Over 50 years old and patients from oncology, obstetrics, hepatobiliary surgery, nephrology, cardiology, and infectious disease constituted the major factors of FP.

CONCLUSION

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Xi'an is still evolving, therefore, effective strategies, appropriate education and scaling up HIV testing should be developed. In addition, old adults and specific departments were associated with FP.

Self-efficacy as a crucial psychological predictor of treatment adherence among elderly people living with HIV: analyses based on the health belief model

Medication adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) among elderly people living with HIV (PLWH) is of serious concern. Our study aimed to understand the medication adherence of elderly PLWH under ART based on the health belief model (HBM). A baseline survey with a total of 529 elderly PLWH was conducted in Sichuan. Logistic and linear regression analysis, mediation analysis, and path analysis based on prior evidence were used. Only self-efficacy showed direct associations with medication adherence in the last four days (ORm = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.11, 1.70) and the last month (ORm = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.18, 1.63) in the multivariate analysis. Self-efficacy mediated the relations between perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action and medication adherence. Inner relations existed within the HBM. In addition to the direct effects, perceived benefits (β = 0.149, p = 0.031; β = 0.093, p = 0.005), perceived barriers (β = -0.070, p = 0.008; β = -0.062, p = 0.012), and cues to action (β = 0.184, p = 0.013; β = 0.135, p = 0.014) showed indirect effects on medication adherence in the last four days and the last month, respectively. HBM may be effective in predicting medication adherence of elderly PLWH, and self-efficacy may be a crucial predictor and mediator. Efforts should be focused on how to enhance elderly PLWH's self-efficacy without neglect of other medication beliefs.

HIV incidence and sexual behavioral correlates among 4578 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu, China: a retrospective cohort study

Background

The prevalence of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in southwest China is still increasing. This study aimed to investigate the trend in HIV incidence and its associated risk factors among MSM in Chengdu, China.

Method

Incidence data were collected from the largest local non-governmental organization (NGO) serving MSM in Chengdu between 2012 and 2018, while information on sexual behaviors was collected from 2014. All MSM who received voluntary counseling and testing services (VCT) in the collaborating NGO at least twice during the study period were included. We calculated the HIV incidence density among MSM every 2 years and the overall incidence rate. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was employed to identify risk factors for HIV infection.

Result

A total of 4578 HIV-negative participants were included in the cohort. The total incidence density was 5.95 (95% CI: 5.37–6.56)/100 person-years (PYs) between 2012 and 2018. The segmented incidence density was 9.02 (95% CI: 7.46–10.78), 5.85 (95% CI: 4.86–6.97), 5.43 (95% CI: 4.53–6.46), and 3.09 (95% CI: 2.07–4.41)/100 PYs in 2012–2013, 2014–2015, 2016–2017, and 2018, respectively. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, compared to participants without sexual partners within 6 months, MSM with one fixed partner (Adjusted Hazard Ratio, AHR = 1.18, 95% CI: 0.44–3.19) and more than five partners (AHR = 2.24, 95% CI: 0.81–6.20) had increased risk of HIV infection. MSM who used condom inconsistently had a higher risk of HIV infection (AHR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.46–2.38) compared to consistent condom users.

Conclusion

The decreased HIV incidence density among MSM was potentially related to the successful comprehensive HIV prevention strategies in Chengdu. Multiple male sexual partnerships and inconsistent condom use during anal intercourse were risk factors associated with HIV occurrence.

How Do Economic Fluctuations Affect the Mortality of Infectious Diseases?

This paper uses the mixed frequency vector autoregression model to explore the impact of economic fluctuations on infectious diseases mortality (IDM) from China perspective. We find that quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) fluctuations have a negative impact on the annual IDM, indicating that the mortality of infectious diseases varies counter-cyclically with the business cycle in China. Specifically, IDM usually increases with deterioration in economic conditions, and vice versa. The empirical results are consistent with the hypothesis I derived from the theoretical analysis, which highlights that economic fluctuations can negatively affect the mortality of infectious diseases. The findings can offer revelations for the government to consider the role of economic conditions in controlling the epidemic of infectious diseases. Policymakers should adopt appropriate and effective strategies to mitigate the potential negative effects of macroeconomic downturns on the mortality of infectious diseases. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, these analyses further emphasize the importance of promoting economic growth, increasing public health expenditure, and preventing and controlling foreign infectious diseases.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevalence, incidence, and mortality in China, 1990 to 2017: a secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 data

BACKGROUND

Despite almost two decades of well-funded and comprehensive response efforts by the Chinese Government, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a major problem in China. Yet, few studies have recently examined long-term trends in HIV/AIDS prevalence, incidence, and mortality at the national level. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, incidence, and mortality trends for HIV/AIDS over the past 28 years in China.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive, epidemiological, secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 data. To evaluate trends in prevalence, incidence, and mortality over the study period from 1990 to 2017, we calculated values for annual percentage change (APC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using joinpoint regression analysis.

RESULTS

A significant increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence was observed for 1990 to 2009 (APC: 10.7; 95% CI: 10.4, 11.0; P < 0.001), and then remained stable for 2009 to 2017 (APC: 0.7; 95% CI: -0.3, 1.7; P = 0.1). A significant increase in HIV incidence was also observed for 1990 to 2005 (APC: 13.0; 95% CI: 12.6, 13.4; P < 0.001), and then a significant decrease was detected for 2005 to 2017 (APC: -6.5; 95% CI: -7.0, -6.1; P < 0.001). A significant increase in AIDS-related mortality rate was detected for 1990 to 2004 (APC: 10.3; 95% CI: 9.3, 11.3; P < 0.001), followed by a period of stability for 2004 to 2013 (APC: 1.3; 95% CI: -0.7, 3.3; P = 0.2), and then another significant increase for 2013 to 2017 (APC: 15.3; 95% CI: 8.7, 22.2; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Although prevalence has stabilized and incidence has declined, AIDS-related mortality has risen sharply in recent years. These findings suggest more must be done to bring people into treatment earlier, retain them in treatment more effectively, actively seek to reenter them in treatment if they dropout, and improve the quality of treatment and care regimens.

Perceived discrimination and mental health symptoms among persons living with HIV in China: the mediating role of social isolation and loneliness

Perceived discrimination is significantly associated with mental health symptoms among persons living with HIV (PLWH). However, little is known about the factors mediating this relationship. We aimed to examine the mediating role of social isolation and loneliness in the association between perceived discrimination and mental health symptoms among PLWH. A multicenter (Shanghai, Kunming, Nanning, Hengyang, and Changning in China) cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017. Data from 883 PLWH were used for statistical analysis. Perceived discrimination, mental health symptoms, loneliness and social isolation were assessed through self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed a satisfactory model fit (CMIN/DF = 2.676, GFI = 0.998, CFI = 0.997, NFI = 0.995, TLI = 0.985, RMSEA = 0.044 [0.000, 0.090]) and a significant total indirect effect (β = 0.058, SE = 0.009, Z = 6.444, p < 0.01). Both loneliness (β = 0.042, SE = 0.008, Z = -5.250, p < 0.01) and social isolation (β = 0.016, SE = 0.004, Z = -4.000, p < 0.01) were determined to be significant mediators of the association between perceived discrimination and mental health symptoms. Interventions that combat loneliness and social isolation may help ameliorate the adverse consequences of perceived discrimination on mental health.

Application of a four-dimensional framework to evaluate the quality of the HIV/AIDS data collection process in China

OBJECTIVE

To qualitatively evaluate the quality of the data collection process used by the Chinese national HIV/AIDS data repository (CRIMS), using a four-dimensional (4D) framework. The process is vital for the acquisition of high-quality data for ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China.

METHODS

The study was carried out in China from September 2014 to April 2015. Stratified convenient sampling was conducted to recruit 28 study participants including health administrators, public health professionals and clinicians. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with the participants and from field observations in six hospitals. Content analysis was conducted following the 4D Framework.

RESULTS

61 percent of the facilitators and 74 percent of the barriers of the 4D Framework were confirmed in the CRIMS data collection process. The CRIMS achieved better-quality data collection management. The perceived gaps primarily included: impractical data collection protocol and invalid quality assessment mechanism for data collection management; weak leadership and unsupportive organizational policy for data collection environment; poor communication and job fatigue for data collection personnel; and inflexibility and inaccessibility of data collection system. Areas for improvement included: engaging frontline staff in the design of data collection protocol, standardizing quality assurance procedures, strengthening leadership, recognizing data collector's contributions, and meeting end-users' needs for the CRIMS.

CONCLUSION

The findings generated knowledge about the quality of the CRIMS data collection process. The 4D Framework has potential as an evaluation tool for decision-makers on the improvement of the public health data collection process.

Spatiotemporal characteristics and the epidemiology of tuberculosis in China from 2004 to 2017 by the nationwide surveillance system

Background

China has always been one of the countries with the most serious Tuberculosis epidemic in the world. Our study was to observe the Spatial-temporal characteristics and the epidemiology of Tuberculosis in China from 2004 to 2017 with Joinpoint regression analysis, Seasonal Autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model, geographic cluster, and multivariate time series model.

Methods

The data of TB from January 2004 to December 2017 were obtained from the notifiable infectious disease reporting system supplied by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The incidence trend of TB was observed by the Joinpoint regression analysis. The Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model was used to predict the monthly incidence. Geographic clusters was employed to analyze the spatial autocorrelation. The relative importance component of TB was detected by the multivariate time series model.

Results

We included 13,991,850 TB cases from January 2004 to December 2017, with a yearly average morbidity of 999,417 cases. The final selected model was the 0 Joinpoint model (P = 0.0001) with an annual average percent change (AAPC) of − 3.3 (95% CI: − 4.3 to − 2.2, P < 0.001). A seasonality was observed across the 14 years, and the seasonal peaks were in January and March every year. The best SARIMA model was (0, 1, 1) X (0, 1, 1)₁₂ which can be written as (1-B) (1-B¹²) X_t = (1–0.42349B) (1–0.43338B¹²) ε_t, with a minimum AIC (880.5) and SBC (886.4). The predicted value and the original incidence data of 2017 were well matched. The MSE, RMSE, MAE, and MAPE of the modelling performance were 201.76, 14.2, 8.4 and 0.06, respectively. The provinces with a high incidence were located in the northwest (Xinjiang, Tibet) and south (Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan) of China. The hotspot of TB transmission was mainly located at southern region of China from 2004 to 2008, including Hainan, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Chongqing, which disappeared in the later years. The autoregressive component had a leading role in the incidence of TB which accounted for 81.5–84.5% of the patients on average. The endemic component was about twice as large in the western provinces as the average while the spatial-temporal component was less important there. Most of the high incidences (> 70 cases per 100,000) were influenced by the autoregressive component for the past 14 years.

Conclusion

In a word, China still has a high TB incidence. However, the incidence rate of TB was significantly decreasing from 2004 to 2017 in China. Seasonal peaks were in January and March every year. Obvious geographical clusters were observed in Tibet and Xinjiang Province. The relative importance component of TB driving transmission was distinguished from the multivariate time series model. For every provinces over the past 14 years, the autoregressive component played a leading role in the incidence of TB which need us to enhance the early protective implementation.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Notifiable Infectious Diseases among Foreign Cases in China, 2004-2017

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the features of notifiable infectious diseases found commonly in foreign nationals in China between 2004 and 2017 to improve public health policy and responses for infectious diseases.

METHODS

We performed a descriptive study of notifiable infectious diseases among foreigners reported from 2004 to 2017 in China using data from the Chinese National Notifiable Infectious Disease Reporting System (NNIDRIS). Demographic, temporal-spatial distribution were described and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 67,939 cases of 33 different infectious diseases were reported among foreigners. These diseases were seen in 31 provinces of China and originated from 146 countries of the world. The infectious diseases with the highest incidence number were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) of 18,713 cases, hepatitis B (6,461 cases), hand, foot, and mouth disease (6,327 cases). Yunnan province had the highest number of notifiable infectious diseases in foreigners. There were different trends of the major infectious diseases among foreign cases seen in China and varied among provinces.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first description of the epidemiological characteristic of notifiable infectious diseases among foreigners in China from 2004 to 2017. These data can be used to better inform policymakers about national health priorities for future research and control strategies.

Association between social capital and mental health among older people living with HIV: the Sichuan Older HIV-Infected Cohort Study (SOHICS)

BACKGROUND

Mental health problems are common among older people living with HIV and associated with poorer health outcomes. Social capital is an important determinant of mental health problems but under-studied in this population. This study investigated the association between social capital and mental health problems among older people living with HIV in China.

METHODS

The study was based on the baseline data of a cohort study investigating mental health among older people living with HIV in Sichuan, China during November 2018 to February 2019. Participants were people living with HIV aged ≥50 years living in Sichuan province. Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to recruit participants from 30 communities/towns; 529 out of 556 participants being approached completed the face-to-face interview. Social capital was measured by two validated health-related social capital scales: the Individual and Family scale and the Community and Society scale. Presence of probable depression (CES-D-10 score ≥ 10) and probable anxiety (GAD-7 score ≥ 5) were used as dependent variables. Two-level logistic regression models were applied to examine the association between social capital and probable depression/anxiety.

RESULTS

The prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety was 25.9% (137/529) and 36.3% (192/529), respectively. After adjusting for significant covariates, the individual/family level of social capital was inversely associated with both probable depression (odds ratios (OR): 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.93, p < 0.001) and probable anxiety (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86-0.95, p < 0.001). The community/society level social capital was associated with probable depression (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84-0.99, p < 0.001) but not probable anxiety (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions building up social capital should be considered to improve mental health of older people living with HIV. Some useful strategies include cognitive processing therapy, improving community networking and engagement, and promoting social bonding with neighborhood.

Disproportionate Increase of New Diagnosis of HIV/AIDS Infection by Sex and Age - China, 2007-2018

What is already known about this topic?

The annual rates of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS among total population is increasing in China, yet HIV/AIDS in older adults has received little attention.

What is added by this report?

The overall rates of new diagnosis of HIV/AIDS per 100,000 populations increased 3.26 and 2.18 times among male and female in all ages from 2007 to 2018, respectively. Among adults aged ≥60 years, the rate increased 10.41 times (1.35 to 14.06 per 100,000) from 2007 to 2018. Male adults aged 60-69 and 70-79 years and female aged 50-59 and 60-69 years had the highest increasing rates among all groups.

What are the implications for public health practice?

This study highlights the need to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention among older adults. Health education and other effective measurements might be used to prevent HIV/AIDS among this group.

Evolutionary characteristics and genetic transmission patterns of predominant HIV-1 subtypes among men who have sex with men in China

OBJECTIVES

Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent one of the major risk groups for HIV-1 infection in China, and the predominant subtypes among this population has changed over the last two decades. The objective of this study was to determine the evolutionary characteristics and transmission patterns of the dominant HIV-1 strains in the Chinese MSM population.

METHODS

A total of 4980 published HIV-1 pol gene sequences from MSM in China were retrieved and comprehensive evolutionary and transmission analyses were then conducted. Bayesian coalescent-based methods and selection pressure analyses were used to reconstruct the time-scale and demographic history and to estimate other evolutionary parameters. Transmission patterns were characterized using network analyses.

RESULTS

There were 2546 (51.12%) CRF01_AE, 1263 (25.36%) CRF07_BC, and 623 (12.51%) subtype B, accounting for 88.99% of the total sequences. From 2000 to 2016, the prevalence of CRF01_AE was stable, comprising nearly half of all sequences over time (58.33-45.38%, p=0.071). CRF07_BC increased slightly from 13.3% to 22.49% (p<0.001), while subtype B decreased dramatically from 41.67% to 9.04% (p<0.001). Demographic reconstruction showed that the greatest expansion of the HIV epidemic occurred between 1999 and 2005. CRF01_AE had a higher estimated evolutionary rate (2.97×10^-3 substitutions/site/year) and exhibited more sites under positive selection (25/351 codons) compared to the other subtypes. Network analyses showed that CRF07_BC (68.29%, 84/123) had a higher proportion of cross-region networks than CRF01_AE (49.1%, 174/354) and subtype B (36.46%, 35/96) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The predominant subtypes of HIV-1 in Chinese MSM have different evolutionary characteristics and transmission patterns, which poses a significant challenge to HIV treatment and disease prevention.