HIV infection among attendees of sexually transmitted disease clinics in Guizhou province: a cross-sectional study

  Objective  To examine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-related behaviors and HIV infection among attendees of sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Guizhou province, and to analyze influencing factors of HIV infection in the population.

  Methods  We conducted a cross-sectional survey at STD clinics in 22 hospitals in 9 municipalities/prefectures across Guizhou province from April to August 2018. The participants of the survey were all attendees with STD-related symptoms or chief complaints at the clinics. Questionnaire interview and HIV antibody detection were carried out in the participants of the survey.

  Results  Among a total of 2 455 participants of the study, the awareness rate of AIDS-related knowledge was 60.0% and the detection rate of HIV antibody positive was 1.1%. High proportion of temporary sexual behavior and history of diagnosed STD and low rate of condom use when having high-risk sexual behavior were reported by the participants. There was a significant regional difference in the detection rate of HIV antibody positive among the participants in the 9 municipalities/prefectures (χ² = 14.76, P = 0.034), with a higher detection rate (2.9%, 13/442) among the participants in Liupanshui municipality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed significant correlations of divorced or widowed, having male-male sexual behavior, having a low awareness of AIDS-related knowledge, and history of STD disease with HIV antibody positive (P < 0.05 for all).

  Conclusion  The detection rate of HIV antibody positive was relatively high among attendees of STD clinics in Guizhou province and targeted interventions should be carried out among the attendees being divorced or widowed, having male-male sexual behavior, having a low awareness of AIDS-related knowledge, and with history of STD disease.