Epidemiological characteristics of HIV infections among the population aged 50 and over in the main urban districts of Chongqing

Objective The epidemiological characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among the population aged ≥ 50 years in the main urban area in Chongqing were analyzed, in order to provide a reliable epidemiology basis for further control and prevention of AIDS. Methods The 3 495 AIDS Surveillance data from 2012 to 2016 was collected from National AIDS Comprehensive Data Information System. Results A total of 3 495 cases were reported during the study period, including 715 deaths. The cases reported in 2016 was 2.7 times greater than that reported in 2012. The cases aged 50-59 years old accounted for 47.3% of all the cases. Majority cases were married, accounting for 65.7% (2 295/3 495) of the all the cases. Patients with junior high school degree and below accounted for 78.2% (2 732/3 495) of all the cases. Sexual contact was the main transmission mode of HIV, accounting for 97.5% (3 409/3 495) of the total cases. Among them, 88.4% (3 091/3 495) and 9.1% (318/3 495) of the cases were transmitted through heterosexual and male homosexual, respectively. A total of 63.6% (2 222/3 495) of the positive samples was from medical institutions, while other 32.8% (1 148/3 495) was from center for disease control and prevention (CDC). Conclusions The reported cases of AIDS aged ≥ 50 years old was increasing in the main urban districts of Chongqing. Heterosexual contact is the main transmission route. The detection of medical institutions is the main way for case finding. The control and prevention strategies including regular HIV screening in medical institutions and traceability investigation should be encouraged and strengthened in this area.