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

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
• Demographics
• MSM (men who have sex with en)
• Epidemiology