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BMC Infectious Diseases

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Research article

A spatial analysis of the epidemiology of HIV-infected students in Zhejiang province, China

Authors: Wanjun Chen, Jiezhe Yang, Jun Jiang, Lin He, Yun Xu, Jinlei Zheng, Jianmin Jiang, Xiaohong Pan

Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The upsurge in HIV infections among students is a matter of particular concern. However, few studies have explored the epidemiological characteristics including the risky sexual networking of HIV-infected students in Zhejiang province, China.

Methods

Using the provincial surveillance data of HIV-infected students, we conducted a retrospective epidemiology study to describe the epidemiological characteristics of 628 newly diagnosed cases from 2011 to 2016 and detailed information of 124 cases from 2015 to 2016. Spatial analyses were conducted using ArcGIS software, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

Results

A total of 628 cases of HIV/AIDS were diagnosed among students in Zhejiang Province, China between 2011 and 2016. The cases showed an overall increasing trend over time, while the proportions of students with HIV disease status, cases diagnosed by HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), and cases of homosexual transmission remained stable over time. Significant spatial heterogeneity in the cases was seen at the county level. Detailed data on 124 HIV-positive individuals collected from the local Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2015 and 2016, showed that the majority of them (85.5%,) engaged in homosexual behavior, and 93.4% had sex with casual partners. These partners included not only social members, but also other students. Online dating applications represented the most common means of seeking and communicating with homosexual partners. The level of awareness regarding the risk of HIV infection, and the amount coverage of face-to-face education towards students were both low.

Conclusions

HIV infections among students were characterized by increasing trend and spatial clustering in Zhejiang Province between 2011 and 2016, with homosexual sexual activity being the main mode of infection. Interventions are urgently required to prevent HIV infection in this population by increasing awareness of the disease. HIV testing programs and information regarding disease prevention specifically through online dating applications are needed.

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Title: A spatial analysis of the epidemiology of HIV-infected students in Zhejiang province, China
Authors: Wanjun Chen
Jiezhe Yang
Jun Jiang
Lin He
Yun Xu
Jinlei Zheng
Jianmin Jiang
Xiaohong Pan
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Published in: BMC Infectious Diseases / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2334
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-021-06033-7

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