Lack of ageing cohort effect among sexually acquired HIV infections in Hong Kong.
We studied HIV rate in different age populations and whether there has been on-going new infections in Hong Kong, by examining the age characteristics and their temporal trend of reported HIV infections. It was found that people in the age group 25-34 were worst hit by the local epidemic. Ageing cohort effect was not apparent for the age pattern of sexually-acquired infections reported from 1987 to 2000, with the annual median ages ranged from 31.5 to 36 years (regression coefficient 0.14, 95% confidence interval -0.14 to 0.42, P = 0.295). Similar temporal age patterns were observed for individual subgroups of homo-/bisexuals, heterosexuals and female heterosexuals. The findings suggested the occurrence of new HIV infections over the years in Hong Kong, despite maintenance of a low prevalence. Albeit capturing largely prevalent infections, reported HIV/AIDS data could be tapped for understanding the evolving epidemic pattern to better evaluate and target current prevention programmes.
Wong
K H
KH
Special Preventive Programme, Department of Health, Hong Kong SAR. khwongkh@health.gcn.gov.hk
Lee
S S
SS
Ho
K M
KM
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015988:Cohort Effect; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology