Changes in HIV demographic patterns in a low prevalence population: no evidence of a shift towards men who have sex with men. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sargin, Fatma; Yildiz, Dilek; Aydin, Ozlem Altuntas; Mete, Bilgul; Gunduz, Alper; Karaosmanoglu, Hayat Kumbasar; Yemisen, Mucahit; Yazici, Saadet; Bolukcu, Sibel; Durdu, Bulent; Senates, Ebubekir; Ozaras, Resat; Dokmetas, Ilyas; Tabak, Fehmi
• Is Part Of: International journal of infectious diseases. Volume 48(2016:Jul.)
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) -- Demographics -- MSM (men who have sex with en) -- Epidemiology; Communicable diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Communicable diseases; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.05.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1201-9712

Abstract

Highlights: There seems to be resurgent HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly in high prevalence countries. This study from a low HIV prevalence setting did not find a change in the proportion of MSM among HIV-positive individuals. MSM still represent a target subgroup for intervention due to the high prevalence of HIV positivity. Summary: Objectives: This study aimed to examine the changes in HIV demographics over time in an exceptionally low prevalence population, with particular emphasis on men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A total of 1292 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients registered in the ACTHIV-IST Study Group database between 2000 and 2014 were included. The changes occurring over time in the characteristics of patients at the time of initial admission were examined retrospectively. Results: A gradual increase in the total number of newly diagnosed patients was evident during the study period; however, it was not possible to show an increase in the proportion of MSM within the study population ( p = 0.63). There was a male predominance throughout the study (85% vs. 15%), with further increases in the proportion of males in recent years. The mean age was lower at the end of the study ( p < 0.05) and there was an increase in the number of unmarried patients ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Sexual preference patterns of HIV patients in extremely low prevalence populations may be different, possibly due to an early phase of the epidemic. Nevertheless, MSM still represent a target subgroup for interventions, since they account for a substantial proportion of cases and a resurgent epidemic may be expected among this group in later phases of the epidemic.