Survey of HIV infection among ocean seamen in five areas of China

ObjectiveTo survey the current status of HIV infection among ocean seamen settled in five areas of China. MethodsA questionnaire survey was carried out among ocean seamen settled in these five areas and blood samples were taken from them for HIV antibody test during April-July, 2008. ResultsA total of 2393 ocean seamen received the survey and HIV antibody test and none of them was detected to be HIV positive. Moreover, 77.9% of them were aged 21-45 years. 69.4% of them had education background of middle school. Twenty three seamen (0.96%) had had sex with non-regular sexual partners, among them 12 (57.1%) used condoms at each sex. The seamen learnt about HIV/AIDS mainly through TV, books and journals. ConclusionAlthough none of them was found to be HIV positive, the HIV surveillance and preventive intervention among this population should not be ignored because of the occupational particularity of higher risk of HIV exposure.