Reported HIV/AIDS cases in Shaanxi province, 1992 - 2010

Objective To describe the epidemiological characteristics of HIV/AIDS in Shaanxi from 1992 to 2010. Methods The descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on the surveillance data of HIV/AIDS in Shaanxi during this period. Results From 1992 to 2010 a total of 1913 HIV/AIDS cases were reported; In the earlier period of HIV transmission, the infections were mainly acquired via blood donation procedure and injecting drug use, but it was mainly caused by sexual contact and injecting drug use in recent years. The cases were mainly young and middle aged adults aged 16-50 years, accounting for 90% of the total. The cases in males accounted for 78.36% and in females accounted for 21.64%. Most cases were farmers, household servants or the unemployed with low education level. Conclusion The incidence of HIV/AIDS increased with year in Shaanxi. Most infections occurred among young people via multi infection routes. Methadone maintenance treatment, promoting condom use and healthy sexual attitude are important interventions for high-risk population. Health education about AIDS prevention would be the most important active intervention in general population