Epidemiological and spatial analyses of HIV/AIDS prevalence in Shandong, China from 2016 and 2022: A population-based study

Abstract

Objectives To describe epidemiological and spatial characters of HIV/AIDS in Shandong, China during 2016–2022, and provide scientific reference for HIV prevention. Methods Data on HIV/AIDS cases was extracted from the National HIV/AIDS comprehensive response information management system. Spatial analysis were conducted with Kulldorff’s scan statistic. Results A total of 19730 HIV/AIDS were reported in Shandong, China during 2016–2022, 69.7% of them were transmitted through homosexual behavior. The proportion of HIV/AIDS aged 50 years and older increased from 13.1–26.7%. Spatial analysis indicated that the HIV clusters were located in urbans areas with higher economic level. The cluster areas of male cases were distributed in urban areas, but the cluster areas of female cases were in the western areas with backward economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of newly reported HIV/AIDS decreased, the proportion of patients receiving CD4 + T cell test (CD4) decreased, the proportion of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) had increased in Shandong, China. Conclusions More prevention and education should be done for MSM in urban areas, and women in the western areas to curl the transmission of HIV. The rapidly increasing proportion of elderly HIV/AIDS should be focused on and responded.