The role of socio-demographic determinants in the geo-spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV infections in small areas of Catalonia (Spain)

Abstract

Background Spatial visualization of HIV surveillance data could improve the planning of programs to address the HIV epidemic. The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics and the spatial distribution of newly diagnosed HIV infection in Catalonia and to identify factors associated with HIV infection rates. Methods Surveillance data from the national registry were presented in the form of descriptive and ring maps and used to study the spatial distribution of new HIV diagnoses in Catalonia (2012–2016) and associated risk factors at the small area level (ABS, acronym for “basic health area” in Catalan). Incident cases were modeled using the following as predictors: type of municipality, prevalence of young men and migrant groups, GBMSM activity indicators, and other variables at the aggregated level. Results New HIV diagnoses are heterogeneously distributed across Catalonia. The predictors that proved to be significantly associated with a higher rate of new HIV diagnoses were ABS located in the city of Barcelona (IRR, 2.520; P < 0.001), a higher proportion of men aged 15–44 years (IRR, 1.193; P = 0.003), a higher proportion of GBMSM (IRR, 1.230; P = 0.030), a higher proportion of men from Western Europe (IRR, 1.281; P = 0.003), a higher proportion of men from Latin America (IRR, 1.260; P = 0.003), and a higher number of gay locations (IRR, 2.665; P < 0.001). No association was observed between the HIV diagnosis rate and economic deprivation. Conclusions Ring maps revealed substantial spatial associations for the rate of new HIV diagnoses. New HIV diagnoses are concentrated in ABS located in urban areas. Our results show that, in the case of HIV infection, the socioeconomic deprivation index on which the Catalan government bases its budget allocation policies among the ABS should not be the only criterion used.

Area-based comparison of risk factors and testing rates to improve sexual health care access: cross-sectional population-based study in a Dutch multicultural area

“…Sexual behaviour is, in this respect, probably the most important factor, for example, MSM are advised to test regularly 31. However, factors such as sexual behaviour, partner selection and sociocultural determinants that are (partly) affected by residential area were indirectly included in the analyses by accounting for area characteristics 9–13 32. Fourth, we only had GP testing data from one laboratory.…”

“…This is partly due to the selection of sexual partners nearby one’s own residential location 9–11. In addition, sociocultural determinants of a specific area may influence spatial clustering of STIs 12 13…”

Prevalência do Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana e fatores associados em gestantes no estado do Pará

“…Sabe-se que a urbanização e o desenvolvimento das grandes cidades influenciam na disseminação de infecções, principalmente pelo HIV (27) . Estudo realizado na Catalunha, Espanha, identificou que as maiores taxas de novos diagnósticos de HIV ocorreram em regiões localizadas em áreas urbanas, especialmente na cidade de Barcelona (28) . Outra pesquisa realizada nos Estados Unidos revelou diferenças estatisticamente significativas na distribuição de novos diagnósticos por características demográficas e ambiente urbano, com taxas de positividade para o HIV mais altas nas áreas urbanas (29) .…”

Prevalence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and associated factors in pregnant women in the state of Pará

“…The urbanization and development in big cities are known to influence the spread of infections, especially HIV ( 27 ) . A study conducted in Catalonia, Spain, identified that the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses occurred in regions located in urban areas, especially in the city of Barcelona ( 28 ) . Another study conducted in the United States revealed statistically significant differences in the distribution of new diagnoses by demographic characteristics and urban environment, with higher HIV positivity rates in urban areas ( 29 ) .…”