Epidemiological characteristics of HIV-positive women of reproductive age from 2006 to 2011 in Henan province

ObjectiveTo study the epidemiological characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-positive women of reproductive age in Henan province from 2006 to 2011. MethodsData on HIV-positive women of reproductive age from "AIDS-Infected Family Follow-up Management and Analysis System" and "Henan Province AIDS Data Analysis System" were collected and analyzed to examine the characteristics and change of the women from 2006 to 2011. ResultsDuring 2006-2011,the number of HIV positive women of reproductive age gradually increased and the proportions of the women aged between 18-20 years and 41-50 years increased.The number of conception and birth in HIV-positive women of reproductive age were stable.The average CD4⁺ count among the women increased from 322 cell/μL to 399 cell/μL.The proportion of higher CD4⁺ level and lower viral load(VL)increased from 37.11% to 52.30% and 30.86% to 63.00%,respectively.On the contrary,the proportions of lower CD4⁺ level and higher VL decreased from 30.36% to 18.62% and 50.62% to 6.56%,respectively.The ratio of the women with sexual life ≥4 time/per month increased.The proportion of condom use in every sexual activity presentsed a decrease trend. ConclusionThe population of HIV-positive women of reproductive age in Henan province increased gradually and presented a trend of younger age;the ratio of unprotected sexual behavior increased.HIV-positive women of reproductive age is a priority population in the prevention of HIV transmission from mother to child and between couples.