Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of newly identified late-diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Leshan City from 2015 to 2022

OBJECTIVE  To analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of late-diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases newly identified in Leshan City from 2015 to 2022.

METHODS  Data on newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases in Leshan City from 2015 to 2022 were extracted from the Comprehensive AIDS Prevention and Control Information System. Basic information of newly identified and late-diagnosed individuals was recorded. Cases were screened from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and data were collated and analyzed to summarize the clinical characteristics of late-diagnosed cases.

RESULTS  From 2015 to 2022, a total of 1 532 HIV/AIDS cases were newly diagnosed in Leshan City. Males accounted for 77.22%, higher than females. The highest proportion was in the 20-29 age group (31.79%), with married individuals constituting 50.20%. Farmers/workers/migrant workers accounted for the highest proportion among newly diagnosed cases (51.89%). Most cases were of Han ethnic group (94.97%), with local registered residence (84.92%). Among them, 796 (51.96%) had a junior high school education or below. Key populations accounted for 55.03% of sample sources, and heterosexual transmission was the most common route (75.66%). During this period, 475 cases (31.00%) were late-diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, showing a declining trend over the years (χ _trend²=10.611, P=0.001). Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in late-diagnosed cases across different diagnosis periods, genders, ages, marital statuses, occupations, ethnicities, registered residences, education levels, monthly incomes, sample sources, transmission routes and histories of sexually transmitted diseases.

CONCLUSIONS  From 2015 to 2022, the late diagnosis rate of HIV/AIDS cases in Leshan City shows a declining trend. Late-diagnosed cases are significantly associated with demographic characteristics, highlighting the need to strengthen active screening and health education for key populations (especially middle-aged and elderly individuals, those with low education levels and heterosexual transmission groups). Improving early HIV testing mechanisms in medical institutions is essential to reduce the late diagnosis rate of HIV/AIDS.