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Observational Study
. 2017 Sep;58(3):E211-E218.

Epidemiological HIV infection surveillance among subjects with risk behaviours in the city of Messina (Sicily) from 1992 to 2015

G Visalli  1 , E Avventuroso  1 , P Laganà  1 , P Spataro  1 , A Di Pietro  1 , M P Bertuccio  1 , I Picerno  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Epidemiological HIV infection surveillance among subjects with risk behaviours in the city of Messina (Sicily) from 1992 to 2015

G Visalli et al. J Prev Med Hyg. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Introduction: Epidemiological studies are a key element in determining the evolution and spread of HIV infection among the world population. Knowledge of the epidemiological dynamics improves strategies for prevention and monitoring.

Methods: We examined 2,272 subjects who voluntarily underwent HIV testing from January 1992 to December 2015. For each subject, an anonymous form was completed to obtain information on personal data, sexual habits and exposure to risk factors.

Results: The number of subjects undergoing the screening test has increased over the years and the average age of the tested subjects has decreased over time. The main motivation for undergoing HIV testing is unprotected sex. Although heterosexual subjects taking the test were more numerous than homosexuals in this study, an increase in the latter over time should be highlighted.

Conclusions: Although the number of tests performed has increased over the years, the persistence of unprotected sex shows an inadequate perception of risk. Therefore, it is necessary to implement programmes to increase the general awareness of HIV infection. It is also essential to undertake constant monitoring of behaviour, risk perception and the application of the screening test via surveillance systems in order to implement effective and efficient prevention.

Keywords: HIV infection epidemiology; HIV testing; Prevention strategies; Risk behaviours; Unprotected sex.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Number of 2 screened for HIV from 1992 to 2015.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Regression analysis shows the distribution of subjects undergoing screening for HIV by age in the period 1992-2015.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Comparison between heterosexuals and homosexuals categories, (a) and the most involved risk factors (b).
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
The scatterplots show the results of regression analysis to assess the increase in the number of tests during the years examined (a) and the relationship with the number of HIV tests performed in the same period (b) (1992–2015).
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Sexual habits (a) and main cause of transmission (b) of the subjects who tested HIV positive.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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