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Heterosexual HIV Epidemic Possible in China
Current trends in sexual behavior in
China may promote an epidemic
of HIV infection among heterosexuals, according to
a report in the May issue of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
Surveillance data indicate that the
HIV epidemic in China has reached the rapid spread phase, the authors
point out, but most infected individuals acquired the infection
through injection
drug use.
Dr. Hongmei Yang from Wayne State University
School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan and associates reviewed the
rates of unprotected heterosexual sex among various subpopulations
in China to examine the likelihood of HIV spread from core populations
to the general population.
HIV infection rates were high among
spouses of drug users in areas where the HIV infection rate was
high, the authors observe. In at least 2 reports, none of the spouses
were drug users and none of them had used condoms while having sex
with their spouses.
From 52% to as many as 98% of female
drug users reported having engaged in commercial sex. Female sex
workers had an average HIV infection rate of 0.88%, the report indicates.
Most of the female sex workers also had sex with one or more noncommercial
steady or casual sexual partners. Less than half reported ever having
used a condom with their main partner or casual acquaintance.
Among patients diagnosed with sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs), most had multiple partners,
none of the females reported always using condoms, and the majority
of males reported never using a condom. Many continued to have unprotected
sex after noticing STD symptoms.
Overall, in the general population,
a sizable proportion of adults engaged in risky sexual behaviors,
the researchers note and condom use was consistently low.
Given the potential for an epidemic
in China, the authors conclude, "extensive and intensive prevention
activities are needed for reducing the transmission
of HIV from core populations to other populations."
06/27/05
Sex Transm Dis 2005;32:270-280.
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