Analysis of HIV-1 genetic subtype and pretreatment drug resistance among men who have sex with men infected with HIV-1 from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To investigate the distribution of HIV-1 genetic subtypes and pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) among men who have sex with men (MSM) from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China. Methods: From April to November 2019, 574 plasma samples of ART-naive HIV-1 infected MSM were collected from 19 cities in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, and Guangdong provinces, total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted and amplified the HIV-1 pol gene region by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after reverse transcription. Then sequences were used to construct a phylogenetic tree to determine genetic subtypes and submitted to the Stanford drug resistance database for drug resistance analysis. Results: A total of 479 samples were successfully amplified by PCR. The HIV-1 genetic subtypes included CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B, CRF59_01B, CRF65_cpx, CRF103_01B, CRF67_01B, CRF68_01B and unrecognized subtype, which accounted for 43.4%, 36.3%, 6.3%, 5.9%, 0.8%, 0.8%, 0.4%, 0.4%, 0.2% and 5.5%, respectively. The distribution of genetic subtypes among provinces is statistically different (χ2=44.141, P<0.001). The overall PDR rate was 4.6% (22/479), the drug resistance rate of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and protease inhibitors were 3.5% (17/479), 0.8% (4/479) and 0.2% (1/479), respectively. The PDR rate of recent infections was significantly higher than that of long-term infections (χ2=4.634, P=0.031). Conclusions: The HIV-1 genetic subtypes among MSM infected with HIV-1 from 19 cities of 6 provinces in China are diverse, and the distribution of subtypes is different among provinces. The overall PDR rate is low, while the PDR rate of recent infections was significantly higher than that of long-term infections, suggesting the surveillance of PDR in recent infections should be strengthened.

Application of limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay for estimating HIV-1 incidence in men who have sex with men / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To estimate the incidence of HIV-1 infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in key areas of China through HIV-1 limiting antigen avidity enzyme immunoassay (LAg-Avidity EIA), analyze the deviation from the actual results and identify influencing factors, and provided reference for improving the accuracy of estimation results. Methods: Based on the principle of the cohort randomized study design, 20 cities were selected in China based on population size and the number of HIV-positive MSM. The sample size was estimated to be 700 according to the HIV-1 infection rate in MSM. MSM mobile phone app. was used to establish a detection appointment and questionnaire system, and the baseline cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to November 2019. LAg-Avidity EIA was used to identify the recent infected samples. The incidence of HIV-1 infection was calculated and then adjusted based on the estimation formula designed by WHO. The influencing factors were identified by analyzing the sample collection and detection processes. Results: Among the 10 650 blood samples from the participants, 799 were HIV-positive in initial screening, in which 198 samples (24.78%) missed during confirmation test. Only 621 samples were received by the laboratory. After excluding misreported samples, 520 samples were qualified for testing. A total of 155 samples were eventually determined as recent infection through LAg-Avidity EIA; Based on the estimation formula , the incidence of HIV-1 infection in MSM in 20 cities was 4.06% (95%CI:3.27%-4.85%), it increased to 5.53% (95%CI: 4.45%-6.60%)after the adjusting for sample missing rate. When the sample missing rate and misreporting rate were both adjusted, the incidence of HIV-1 infection in the MSM increased to 5.66% (95%CI:4.67%-6.65%). The actual incidence of HIV-1 infection in MSM in the 20 cities might be between 4.06% and 5.66%. Conclusions: Sample missing and misreporting might cause the deviation of the estimation of HIV-1 infection incidence. It is important to ensure the sample source and the quality of sample collection and detection to reduce the deviation in the estimation of HIV-1 infection incidence.

Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome prevalence, incidence, and mortality in China, 1990 to 2017: a secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 data / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Despite almost two decades of well-funded and comprehensive response efforts by the Chinese Government, human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) remains a major problem in China. Yet, few studies have recently examined long-term trends in HIV/AIDS prevalence, incidence, and mortality at the national level. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, incidence, and mortality trends for HIV/AIDS over the past 28 years in China.@*METHODS@#We conducted a descriptive, epidemiological, secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017 data. To evaluate trends in prevalence, incidence, and mortality over the study period from 1990 to 2017, we calculated values for annual percentage change (APC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using joinpoint regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#A significant increase in HIV/AIDS prevalence was observed for 1990 to 2009 (APC: 10.7; 95% CI: 10.4, 11.0; P < 0.001), and then remained stable for 2009 to 2017 (APC: 0.7; 95% CI: -0.3, 1.7; P = 0.1). A significant increase in HIV incidence was also observed for 1990 to 2005 (APC: 13.0; 95% CI: 12.6, 13.4; P < 0.001), and then a significant decrease was detected for 2005 to 2017 (APC: -6.5; 95% CI: -7.0, -6.1; P < 0.001). A significant increase in AIDS-related mortality rate was detected for 1990 to 2004 (APC: 10.3; 95% CI: 9.3, 11.3; P < 0.001), followed by a period of stability for 2004 to 2013 (APC: 1.3; 95% CI: -0.7, 3.3; P = 0.2), and then another significant increase for 2013 to 2017 (APC: 15.3; 95% CI: 8.7, 22.2; P < 0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although prevalence has stabilized and incidence has declined, AIDS-related mortality has risen sharply in recent years. These findings suggest more must be done to bring people into treatment earlier, retain them in treatment more effectively, actively seek to reenter them in treatment if they dropout, and improve the quality of treatment and care regimens.

Human immunodeficiency virus prevention strategies in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

This paper reviews the current epidemics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in China, particularly the globally available prevention strategies developed and implemented. This review focuses on HIV prevention measures in general, such as education, testing, and counseling and in specific responses to transmission modes, such as blood safety, harm reduction for people who inject drugs, and condom promotion to reduce sexual transmission. We also assess newly developed prevention measures, such as prevention treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis, male circumcision, and promising potential future preventions, including microbicides and vaccines. Based on this assessment, we provide recommendations for their implementation in China. We conclude that there is no magic bullet for HIV prevention, particularly sexual transmission of the disease, but only a combination of these prevention strategies can control the HIV epidemic.

HIV/AIDS prevention strategy with Chinese characteristics / 中华疾病控制杂志

The article reviews major achievements in three broad areas in fighting against HIV/AIDS epidemic in China in past 35 years. Major supportive laws and regulations and policies have been developed and implemented to facilitate national HIV/AIDS programs. The specialized personnel for HIV/AIDS programs have grown up and have played significant roles in the battle against the epidemic. Remarkable achievements have been made in surveillance to monitor the HIV epidemics, in providing care and treatment for people living with HIV, and in providing effective prevention services to key populations at high risk of HIV infection. Challenges are presented and recommendations are provided.

Factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse among male students who have sex with men in three Northern regions of China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) has previously been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Male students who have sex with men (SMSM) are at increased exposure to experience UAI. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of UAI and related factors among SMSM in three northern regions of China.@*Methods@#From November 2018 to January 2019, SMSM, 18 years or older, studying or living in Beijing, Tianjin, or Shijiazhuang, who had anal sex in the past 6 months were recruited by community-based organizations to participate in an unmatched, casecontrol study. Detailed demographic and behavioral information were collected via self-administrated electronic questionnaires and factors related to UAI were assessed using uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses.@*Results@#Among the 511 SMSM included in the study, 210 (41.1%) reported UAI in the past 6 months. SMSM who had sexual partners at least 10 years older than themselves (odds ratio [OR] = 2.277, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.380–3.756), used vacant capsules before sexual activity (OR = 3.858, 95% CI: 1.472–10.106), had a self-perceived moderate-HIV risk (OR = 2.128, 95% CI: 1.403–3.227), and unprotected, first anal intercourse (OR = 2.236, 95% CI: 1.506–3.320) had increased odds of UAI.@*Conclusions@#Factors associated with increased odds of engaging in UAI in the past 6 months among SMSM included having older sexual partners, using vacant capsules, having a self-perceived moderate risk of HIV, and unprotected, first anal intercourse. Continuing education on risk reduction, including improving condom decision making in age-discordant relationships could help address the sexual risk behaviors among SMSM.

HIV care continuum among newly diagnosed student and non-student youths between 2012 and 2016 in Hangzhou, China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Youths are disproportionally affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We aimed to assess anti-retroviral therapy (ART) initiation and viral suppression rates among student and non-student youths in Hangzhou, China.@*METHODS@#Data were taken from the Chinese HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome Comprehensive Response Information Management System. Youths aged 15 to 24 years who were newly diagnosed with HIV between 2012 and 2016 and were living in Hangzhou were included in the study. Comparisons between student and non-student youths were made for ART initiation within 30 days, 90 days, and 12 months of HIV diagnosis, and the viral suppression rate at 12 months of HIV diagnosis and at 12 months of ART initiation.@*RESULTS@#A total of 707 cases met inclusion criteria, 29.6% of which were students and 70.4% were non-student youths. The student group had a higher proportion of ART initiation compared with the non-student group within 30 days of diagnosis (45.5% vs. 37.0%, P = 0.044), and a slightly higher but not statistically significant proportion at 90 days (67.0% vs. 62.7%), and 12 months (83.7% vs. 78.5%) of HIV diagnosis. ART initiation within 30 days improved from 90% in 2016. A smaller proportion of students experienced viral suppression compared with the non-student group (9.6% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.011) at 12 months after HIV diagnosis, but the suppression rate was similar at 12 months of ART initiation (69.9% vs. 71.1%, P = 0.743).@*CONCLUSIONS@#ART initiation in both student and non-student youths has significantly improved between 2012 and 2016. However, the viral suppression rate remained unacceptably low at 12 months of HIV diagnosis in both student and non-student groups. Specific intervention strategies must be taken to address this challenge.

Factors associated with unprotected anal intercourse among male students who have sex with men in three Northern regions of China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) has previously been associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Male students who have sex with men (SMSM) are at increased exposure to experience UAI. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of UAI and related factors among SMSM in three northern regions of China.@*METHODS@#From November 2018 to January 2019, SMSM, 18 years or older, studying or living in Beijing, Tianjin, or Shijiazhuang, who had anal sex in the past 6 months were recruited by community-based organizations to participate in an unmatched, case-control study. Detailed demographic and behavioral information were collected via self-administrated electronic questionnaires and factors related to UAI were assessed using uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses.@*RESULTS@#Among the 511 SMSM included in the study, 210 (41.1%) reported UAI in the past 6 months. SMSM who had sexual partners at least 10 years older than themselves (odds ratio [OR] = 2.277, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.380-3.756), used vacant capsules before sexual activity (OR = 3.858, 95% CI: 1.472-10.106), had a self-perceived moderate-HIV risk (OR = 2.128, 95% CI: 1.403-3.227), and unprotected, first anal intercourse (OR = 2.236, 95% CI: 1.506-3.320) had increased odds of UAI.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Factors associated with increased odds of engaging in UAI in the past 6 months among SMSM included having older sexual partners, using vacant capsules, having a self-perceived moderate risk of HIV, and unprotected, first anal intercourse. Continuing education on risk reduction, including improving condom decision making in age-discordant relationships could help address the sexual risk behaviors among SMSM.

HIV care continuum among newly diagnosed student and non-student youths between 2012 and 2016 in Hangzhou, China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#Youths are disproportionally affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We aimed to assess antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and viral suppression rates among student and non-student youths in Hangzhou, China.@*Methods@#Data were taken from the Chinese HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome Comprehensive Response Information Management System. Youths aged 15 to 24 years who were newly diagnosed with HIV between 2012 and 2016 and were living in Hangzhou were included in the study. Comparisons between student and non-student youths were made for ART initiation within 30 days, 90 days, and 12 months of HIV diagnosis, and the viral suppression rate at 12 months of HIV diagnosis and at 12 months of ART initiation.@*Results@#A total of 707 cases met inclusion criteria, 29.6% of which were students and 70.4% were non-student youths. The student group had a higher proportion of ART initiation compared with the non-student group within 30 days of diagnosis (45.5% vs. 37.0%, P = 0.044), and a slightly higher but not statistically significant proportion at 90 days (67.0% vs. 62.7%), and 12 months (83.7% vs. 78.5%) of HIV diagnosis. ART initiation within 30 days improved from <15% in 2012 to over 65% in 2016 in both groups, and ART initiation within 90 days improved from <30% in 2012 to >90% in 2016. A smaller proportion of students experienced viral suppression compared with the non-student group (9.6% vs. 17.1%, P = 0.011) at 12 months after HIV diagnosis, but the suppression rate was similar at 12 months of ART initiation (69.9% vs. 71.1%, P = 0.743).@*Conclusions@#ART initiation in both student and non-student youths has significantly improved between 2012 and 2016. However, the viral suppression rate remained unacceptably low at 12 months of HIV diagnosis in both student and non-student groups. Specific intervention strategies must be taken to address this challenge.

Duration of Human Immunodef iciency Virus Infection at Diagnosis among New Human Immunodef iciency Virus Cases in Dehong, Yunnan, China, 2008-2015 / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

Background@#On diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, a person may have been infected already for many years. This study aimed to estimate the duration of HIV infection at the time of diagnosis.@*Methods@#Newly diagnosed HIV cases in Dehong, China, from 2008 to 2015 were studied. Duration of infection at the time of diagnosis was calculated using the first CD4 cell count result after diagnosis and a CD4 depletion model of disease progression. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the associated risk factors.@*Results@#A.@*@#total of 5867 new HIV cases were enrolled. Overall, mean duration of infection was 6.3 years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.2, 6.5). After adjusting for confounding, significantly shorter durations of infection were observed among participants who were female (beta: -0.37, 95% CI: -0.64, -0.09), Dai ethnicity (beta: -0.28, 95% CI: -0.57, 0.01), and infected through injecting drug use (beta: -1.82, 95% CI: -2.25, -1.39). Compared to the hospital setting, durations were shorter for those diagnosed in any other settings, and compared to 2008, durations were shorter for those diagnosed all years after 2010.@*Conclusion@#Although the reduction in duration of infection at the time of diagnosis observed in Dehong was significant, it may not have had a meaningful impact.

Uptake of HIV Self-testing among Men Who have Sex with Men in Beijing, China: a Cross-sectional Study / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine HIV self-testing uptake and its determinates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Beijing, China in 2016. Participants were users of a popular Chinese gay networking application and had an unknown or negative HIV status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine factors associated with HIV self-testing based on adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 5,996 MSM included in the study, 2,383 (39.7%) reported to have used HIV self-testing kits. Willingness to use an HIV self-test kit in the future was expressed by 92% of the participants. High monthly income (AOR = 1.49; CI = 1.10-2.02; P = 0.010), large number of male sex partners (⋝ 2: AOR = 1.24; CI = 1.09-1.43; P = 0.002), sexual activity with commercial male sex partners (⋝ 2: AOR = 1.94; CI = 1.34 -2.82; P = 0.001), long-term drug use (AOR = 1.42; CI = 1.23-1.62; P < 0.001), and long-term HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) attendance (AOR = 3.62; CI = 3.11-4.22; P < 0.001) were all associated with increased odds of HIV self-testing uptake.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The nearly 40% rate of HIV self-testing uptake among MSM in our sample was high. In addition, an over 90% willingness to use kits in the future was encouraging. HIV self-testing could be an important solution to help China achieve the global target of having 90% of all people living with HIV diagnosed by 2020.</p>

Efficacy and Safety of Tenofovir and Lamivudine in Combination with Efavirenz in Patients Co-infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is high among individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in China. Both HIV and HBV can be treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and lamivudine (3TC), so we evaluated the safety and efficacy of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) that included TDF, 3TC, and efavirenz (EFV) among ART-naive individuals who were co-infected with HIV and HBV.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred HIV/HBV co-infected ARV-naive individuals were started on the regimen of TDF, 3TC, and EFV, and the levels of plasma HBV DNA, HIV RNA, and biochemical evaluation related to the function of liver and kidney were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Concerning efficacy, this study found that by week 48, the vast majority co-infected participants receiving this ART regimen had undetectable HBV DNA levels (71%) and/or HIV RNA levels (90%). Concerning safety, this study found that the median estimated glomerular filtration rate of participants decreased from baseline (109 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2) to week 12 (104 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2) but was almost back to baseline at week 48 (111 ml·min-1·1.73 m-2).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This combination ART regimen is safe and effective for patients with HIV/HBV co-infection.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01751555; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01751555.</p>

Comparison of effectiveness between two HIV screening strategies in outpatient setting / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine whether non-targeted testing strategy (screening all patients with blood sample withdrawn) could identify more patients with newly diagnosed HIV infection than symptom and risk behavior based targeted testing strategy or not.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Controlled trial design was applied in this study.From July to November 2011, outpatient department of L and J county hospital in Guangxi province were selected to conduct the targeted strategy and non-targeted strategy respectively. The two counties had similar population, outpatient volume, previous testing rate and number of newly identified HIV cases.Outpatients older than 15 years were recruited as study subjects, with 62 106 person time in L hospital and 58 257 in J hospital. Data about visit number, persons receiving HIV testing and HIV positive cases were collected by outpatient department. Chi-square test was used to compare the percentage of newly identified HIV cases, HIV positive detection rate and proportion of cases in early AIDS phase between two strategies.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the study period, 9.69% (5627/58 057) of all outpatients in J hospital with non-targeted strategy and 1.38% (859/62 106) of all outpatients in L hospital with targeted strategy received HIV test. The average age of patients receiving HIV testing was 46.23 ± 16.81 and 40.75 ± 15.48 respectively, which was statistically different (t = 8.81, P < 0.05). The percentage of newly identified HIV cases was significantly greater in J hospital (0.03% (19/58 057)) than that in L hospital (0.02% (10/62106)) (P < 0.05) while the HIV positive detection rate was lower in J hospital (0.34% (19/5627)) than that in L hospital (1.16% (10/859)) (χ(2) = 9.66, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In a concentrated epidemic, a hospital based non-targeted strategy could detect more unidentified HIV cases than targeted strategy.</p>

Impact of HIV/sexually transmitted infection testing on risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in Langfang, China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Men who have sex with men (MSM) in China remain at high risk for HIV infection, the proportion of reported HIV/AIDS cases that occurred among MSM rose greatly from 2005 to 2011. HIV testing and counseling is a critical HIV prevention strategy among HIV related high-risk population, including MSM in China. This article aimed to assess the association between receiving HIV testing and high-risk sexual behaviors among MSM in Langfang, Hebei Province, China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Between September and November 2007, 233 MSM were recruited to receive an HIV testing intervention. Face-to-face interviews were conducted before HIV testing and 3 months later HIV-related risk behaviors were assessed. Serological testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was performed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the recruited 233 MSM, 200 completed follow-up. Baseline prevalence was 7.8% for HIV, 21.0% for syphilis, 15.8% for gonorrhea, and 5.0% for chlamydia. Multivariate analysis indicated that inconsistent condom use (OR = 7.9, 95%CI: 0.9 - 66.7, P = 0.059) and bleeding during anal sex (OR = 5.9, 95%CI: 1.3 - 26.2, P = 0.019) were risk factors for HIV infection, and group sex (OR = 6.6, 95%CI: 2.2 - 19.7, P = 0.001) was a risk factor for syphilis infection at baseline. At 3 months follow-up, among STI-positive MSM, self-reported anal sex fell from 73.1% to 38.5% (P < 0.001); group sex fell from 19.2% to 5.8% (P < 0.001); and bleeding during anal sex fell from 23.1% to 5.8% (P < 0.001). Among STI-negative MSM, the frequency of one-night stands fell from 32.5% to 17.2% (P < 0.001), and oral sex rose from 57% to 78.5% (P < 0.001). STI-positive MSM were less likely to engage in anal sex compared to STI-negative MSM (χ(2) = 5.189, P = 0.023).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HIV testing is an important intervention strategy among MSM. HIV testing services among MSM need to be scaled up, along with comprehensive, tailored interventions including condom promotion and STI treatment.</p>

Factors associated with overdose-caused mortality of HIV-positive patients who were on methadone maintenance treatment program / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the factors that associated with the mortality of overdose on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) among HIV-positive patients.Methods A 1 ∶ 1 matched case-control design was used to identify the relationship between factors related to demography,drug use,characteristics of treatment and the mortality of overdose.110 HIV-positive patients who died of drug overdose from March 2004 to September 2012 were defined as cases.Controls were another 110 patients who were still alive and paired with the cases,according to the same gender,similar date of MMT initiation and from the same clinics.Results Multivariate conditional logistic regression analyses indicated that risk factors as sharing needles before enrolled in the MMT program (OR=5.19,95％ CI:1.39-19.33),HIV infection because of injecting drug-use (OR=3.08,95％ CI:1.16-8.21),and off from the treatment before the end point of the program (OR=2.54,95％CI:1.23-5.23) were associated with mortality caused by overdose.Higher adherence (OR=0.31,95％CI:0.10-0.95) appeared to be associated with lower mortality when compared with the control group.Conclusion In order to reduce the mortality rate,comprehensive intervention could be introduced to improve the compliance of retention on MMT among patients.Intervention efforts should be focused on those patients who shared needle / syringes.

Loss to follow-up and associated factors in a cohort study among men who have sex with men / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the associated factors on loss to follow-up among men who have sex with men (MSM) in a prospective cohort study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We recruited eligible HIV-negative MSM at baseline in eight cities from June to October 2009. Interviewer-administrated questionnaire and blood testings for HIV, syphilis and human simplex virus type 2, were accomplished upon enrollment, 6-month and 12-month follow-up visits in the program. Loss to follow-up was recorded at each visit in this cohort. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis were conducted to examine the associated factors on loss to follow-up.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 3196 eligible MSM were enrolled at the baseline study. During one year of follow-up, 894 (28.0%) of them dropped out thoroughly while 2302 (72.1%) showed up at least on one visit. Factors as MSM who were at age 25 or younger, resided locally less than 1 year, being unemployed, self-recognized as heterosexuality or bisexuality, never taking HIV testing in the past year, having had sex with women in the past 6 months etc., were more likely to withdraw from the follow-up visits. Conclusion Age, length of residency, sex orientation and history of HIV testing were associated with the loss of follow-up among MSM cohort in our study. These factors should be considered in this kind of study design in the future.</p>

Current situation related to antiretroviral therapy and related influential factors on HIV infected injection drug users in the methadone maintenance treatment clinics / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To find out the current coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) among HIV positive subjects and to identify the major influential factors associated with the participation in ART among them.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>291 HIV positive subjects from 6 methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics in Guangxi and Yunnan province were surveyed by questionnaires.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>217 males (74.6%) and 74 females (25.4%) were under investigation, with the average age of 38.4 +/- 5.9. Most of them received less than senior high school education, married and unemployed. Results from the single factor logistic regression analysis showed that: working status, living alone, self-reported history of drinking alcohol in the last month, negative attitude towards MMT among family members,poor self-reported compliance to MMT in the last month,lack of incentives in the MMT clinics, reluctance on disclosure of their own HIV status, good self-perception on their health status, lack of communication on ART related topics among family members in the last 6 months, lack of correct attitude and knowledge on ART etc. appeared as the main factors that influencing the participation in ART program among the patients. Data from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors as: living alone, unwilling to tell others about the status of HIV infection, poor self-perception on HIV infection, lack of discussion of ART related topics within family members in the last 6 months and poor awareness towards ART among the family members etc., were associated with the low participation rate of ART. Conclusion Strengthening the publicity and education programs on HIV positive patients and their family members at the MMT clinics seemed to be effective in extending the ART coverage. Attention should also be paid to increase the family support to the patients.</p>

Study on the incidence and risk factors of HCV infection among heroin addicts who were on methadone maintenance treatment in Dehong prefecture,Yunnan province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the incidence and risk factors of HCV infection among heroin addicts who were receiving methadone maintenance treatment(MMT)in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>All heroin addicts who were HCV negative at the initiation of MMT in June 2005 through March 2012, in Dehong prefecture, were included in this cohort analysis. HCV incidence was calculated and related risk factors determined by using Cox proportional hazard regression model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 2390 MMT clinic attendants were qualified for this cohort study by March 2012. 731(30.6%) of them had never received any follow-up HCV testing so were recognized as loss to follow-up. The other 1659 (69.4%) participants had received at least one follow-up HCV testing and were observed for a total of 3509.12 person-years(py). During this period 99 new HCV infections or HCV sero-converters were identified. The overall HCV incidence was 2.82/100 py and was 3.62/100 py for 2006, 5.36/100 py for 2007, 6.71/100 py for 2008, 2.56/100 py for 2009, 1.90/100 py for 2010, and 0.44/100 py for 2011, respectively. Results from multiple regression analysis, using Cox proportional hazard model, indicated that after controlling for confounding variables, those who were unemployed, being injecting drug users(IDUs)or HIV positive at entry into the MMT program were more likely to be newly infected with HCV or HCV sero-converted during the follow-up period than those who were peasants, non-IDUs or HIV negative at entry into the MMT program(HR = 2.02, 95% CI:1.18-3.48; HR = 9.05, 95% CI:5.49-14.93; HR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.37-3.56), respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The incidence of HCV infection among MMT clinic attendants was decreasing since 2009 in Dehong prefecture. Those who were unemployed, injecting drug users and HIV positive were at higher risk of HCV infection.</p>

Characteristics and associated factors of long-term retention for methadone maintenance treatment patients / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the characteristics and factors associated with long-term retention for methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study was conducted in eight MMT clinics located in Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou and Zhejiang provinces. Five hundred and thirty-nine MMT patients who enrolled in MMT clinics in 2004 and retained in treatment by June 2010 were selected as study subjects. Chi-square tests were used to compare the demographics and drug abuse history at enrollment and treatment characteristics during the follow-up period between continuous treatment patients and discontinuous treatment patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 539 patients, 110 (20.4%) were continuous treatment patients whereas 429 (79.6%) were discontinuous treatment patients. Of these 429 discontinuous treatment patients, 84.1% (361/429) had 2-4 treatment episodes whereas 15.9% (68/429) had 5 or more episodes during follow-up period. When continuous treatment patients were compared with discontinuous treatment patients, living with family members or friends (88.2% (97/110), 78.5% (337/429)), age of first drug use under 25 (61.8% (68/110), 71.3% (306/429)), low urine morphine positive test results (67.3% (74/110), 38.2% (164/429)) and living within 5 kilometers of the MMT clinic (72.7% (80/110), 61.3% (263/429)) were positively associated with higher possibility of continuous treat retention (P < 0.05). Demographics and drug abuse characteristics at enrollment, including gender, age, employment status, family relationship, injection, needle sharing, criminal behavior, contacts with drug users, MMT daily dosage and family members receiving MMT were not significantly associated with treatment retention (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Illicit drug use during the treatment and longer distance travelling to MMT clinic might have negative impact on patients' continuous treatment retention. Mobile MMT vehicles and expanded MMT service sites could be introduced to improve compliance of treatment retention of MMT patients.</p>

Evaluation on the long-term effectiveness among the first set eight methadone maintenance treatment clinics in China / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the first set 8 methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics in China. Methods Repeated cross-sectional surveys were conducted on the first month after the enrollment and 5 years later,among drug users who received MMT,using a standard questionnaire.Data on demographic characteristics,HIV-related high-risk bchaviors,criminal records associatcd with drug use and related family/social functions were collected and analyzed.Results There were 252 and 195 participants being interviewed at the baseline and the 5-year surveys,respectively,.Of them,66 participants were involved in both surveys.There was no significant differences on factors as ethnicity,level of education,working status,marital status and living status (P＞0.05) between the baselinc and the 5-year surveys.Compared with data from the baseline survey,participants' behavior on drug abuse (100.0％ vs.24.1％,P＜0.001 ),needle sharing behavior ( 19.4％ vs.0.0％,P ＜ 0.001 ),and exchanging sex for drugs ( 34.5 ％ vs.0.0％,P＜0.001 ) had significant decreases at the 5-year survey.Rates on condom use ( 10.6％ vs.25.0％,P=0.004),and having jobs (27.8％ vs.47.7％,P＜0.001 ) had been improved significantly,while self-reported criminal cases related to drug use (15.1％ vs.1.5％,P＜0.001) and the contacts with drug users (88.9％ vs.31.3％,P＜0.001) had been significantly reduced after joining the MMT program.Conclusion MMT could play an active role in reducing the HIV-related high-risk behaviors,criminal cases associated with drug abuse as well as enhancing the family and social functions of the MMT patients.Providing high quality service to the MMT clinic and trying to keep the drug users stick to the program remain difficult.It was also important to improve the training programs for staff working at the MMT clinics.