1.Study on changes in high-risk sexual behaviors and associated factors in HIV-infected men who have sex with men in industrial workers before and after diagnosis of HIV infection
Kechun ZHANG ; Xiaojun MENG ; Dan LUO ; He CAO ; Tian HU ; Yaqi CHEN ; Qihui LIN ; Shaomin WU ; Linghua LI ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(1):151-156
Objective:To explore changes in high-risk sexual behaviors and associated factors in HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in industrial workers, and provide evidence for designing behavioral interventions for this population.Methods:In this observational study, HIV-infected MSM were recruited in industrial workers using convenient sampling during August to September 2021. The sample size was estimated to be 530. A questionnaire was used and combined with routine follow-up to collect socio-demographic characteristics, high-risk sexual behaviors, partner notification, viral load testing and history of sexually transmitted diseases before and after diagnosis of HIV infection. The χ2 test was used to analyze the changes in high-risk sexual behaviors before and after diagnosis and logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Results:A total of 560 HIV-infected MSM in industrial workers were recruited in this study. Of whom, 32.1% (180/560) had unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) within 12 months after diagnosis . The proportions of those having UAI with casual, commercial and regular same-sex partners significantly decreased from 73.4% (381/519), 75.1% (187/249) and 69.5% (207/298) within 12 months before diagnosis to 36.2% (146/403), 40.2% (86/214) and 34.2% (67/196) within 12 months after diagnosis , respectively. Educational level of college or above (a OR=0.41, 95% CI:0.23-0.71), passive anal sex (a OR=0.40, 95% CI:0.19-0.85), both active and passive anal sex after diagnosis (a OR=0.40, 95% CI:0.20-0.83) and no unprotected oral sex (a OR=0.02, 95% CI:0.01-0.05) were negatively associated with UAI within 12 months after diagnosis. Whereas, not considering necessary to use condom consistently after having repeated undetectable viral load (a OR=3.02, 95% CI:1.37-6.69) was positively associated with UAI within 12 months after diagnosis. Conclusions:Compared with that before diagnosis of HIV infection, although the prevalence of UAI seemed to decrease in HIV-infected MSM in industrial workers after diagnosis, nearly one third of them had high-risk sexual behaviors. Therefore, relevant interventions should be strengthened to reduce high-risk sexual behaviors.
2.Differences in biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications at baseline in HIV- infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution after antiretroviral therapy
Huolin ZHONG ; Heping ZHAO ; Linghua LI ; Quanmin LI ; Dan LUO ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(8):1283-1289
Objective:To observe the differences in biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications at baseline in HIV-infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution to antiretroviral therapy (ART).Methods:The subjects were treat-na?ve adult HIV-infected patients who were followed up for more than 24 months in the Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital affiliated infection clinic at Guangzhou Medical University from January 2010 to December 2017. CD4 + T lymphocyte count at baseline at <200, 200-350, and >350 cells/μl levels were divided into poor, partial, and good immune reconstitution groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H and chi-square tests were used to analyze the differences in baseline sociodemographic characteristics, biochemical indexes, and AIDS-related complications among different groups. The SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results:Among the 3 900 HIV-infected individuals, 385 cases (9.9%), 1 206 cases (30.9%), and 2 309 cases (59.2%) were grouped into poor, partial and good immune reconstitution groups, respectively. The baseline biochemical indexes of leukocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, TG, TC, FPG, AST, ALT and total bilirubin in the poor immune reconstitution group were significantly different from those in the good immune reconstitution group (all P<0.05). The proportion of AIDS-related complications at baseline in the poor immune reconstitution group, such as tuberculosis, pneumocystis yeli pneumonia, disseminated mycosis, esophageal candidiasis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, dermatitis, oral candidiasis, oral mucous leukoplakia, continuous diarrhea for more than 1 month and continuous or intermittent fever for more than 1 month, was significantly higher than that in the good immune reconstitution group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:The biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications in HIV-infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution were significantly different at baseline. Attention should be paid to monitoring abnormal biomedical indicators and AIDS-related complications at baseline.
3.Survey on the cognition of the "undetectable equals untransmittable" concept among HIV-infected men who have sex with men receiving antiviral treatment
Kechun ZHANG ; Xiaojun MENG ; Tian HU ; Dan LUO ; He CAO ; Qihui LIN ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(10):1610-1615
Objective:To explore the cognition of the "undetectable equals untransmittable" ("U=U") concept and associated factors among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) receiving antiviral treatment (ART) in Shenzhen, and provide evidence for designing promotion and advocacy strategies for the "U=U" concept.Methods:We recruited HIV-infected MSM receiving ART using convenient sampling method combined with routine follow-up in Shenzhen through conducting observational survey. The sample size was estimated to be 475. A questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, ART, viral load testing and the cognition towards "U=U" in HIV-infected MSM. Logistic regression was used to access factors associated with acceptance of "U=U".Results:A total of 490 HIV-infected MSM receiving ART were recruited. Of whom, 60.2% (295/490) were aware of "U=U" and 50.6% (248/490) accepted "U=U". Multiple logistic regression showed that participants who had an educational level of college or above (a OR=1.76,95% CI: 1.12-2.75) were more likely to accept "U=U". Those who had no local residency (a OR=0.51,95% CI: 0.29-0.92), had viral load >0 copies/ml in the last testing (a OR=0.61,95% CI: 0.38-0.98) and were unaware of "U=U" (a OR=0.13, 95% CI: 0.09-0.21), were less likely to accept "U=U". Conclusions:HIV-infected MSM receiving ART had a low cognition level of "U=U" in Shenzhen. Promotion and advocacy on this concept through healthcare workers should be enhanced in combination with routine follow-up in order to improve their ART adherence and outcome of treatment. Furthermore, developing related guidelines on "U=U" according to the characteristics of HIV-infected individuals is warranted to improve the normalization of promotion and advocacy on "U=U".
4.Sexual health among older adults
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(12):1864-1868
As human life expectancy increases, the population aging crisis is spreading worldwide. Sexual health is integral to the overall health of older adults. The 50-60-year-old age group is in a transitional phase of physiological changes (e.g., women going through menopause) and social changes (e.g., changes in work status and social identity). Individuals aged 60 years and above still have sexual desires. However, there is relatively little research on sexual health in this age group. In this context, this paper delves into topics related to sexual health among those aged 50 years and above, aiming to understand the evolution and influencing factors of sexual health in this population during various stages of aging. This information can be used to formulate relevant policies and promote the overall health of this population.
5.Attitude toward sexual health education and its correlates among community-based older adults in Shanghai
Xinyi LI ; Bingyi WANG ; Xin PENG ; Leiwen FU ; Yong LU ; Ying WANG ; Yong CAI ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(12):1869-1873
Objective:To understand the attitudes toward sexual health education and its correlates among community-based older adults in Shanghai, China.Methods:From June 2020 to December 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among community residents aged ≥50 in Shanghai through multi-stage sampling. The estimated sample size was 735. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics, and history of sexual health education. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the correlates of attitudes toward sexual health education among community-based older adults.Results:A total of 824 participants (489 males and 335 females) with age of (65.1±8.1) years were included, whose main age distribution was 60-69 years (45.3%). The prevalence of supporting sexual health education among older adults was 49.4% (45.2% of men and 55.5% of women). Males (a OR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.44-0.83), aged 70 years and older (a OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.40-0.94), urban residents (a OR= 2.54, 95% CI: 1.81-3.58), self-reported very good or excellent health status (a OR=1.64,95% CI: 1.04-2.58), having depressive symptoms (a OR=0.37,95% CI: 0.15-0.85), and having a history of sexual health education (a OR=8.64 ,95% CI: 4.62-17.70) were associated with their attitude toward sexual health education. Conclusions:The proportion of community-based older adults in Shanghai who support sexual health education was not high. Their attitudes toward sexual health education were associated with their self-reported health status, depressive symptoms, and history of sex education. Health professionals and institutions should focus on community-based older adults with key characteristics and tailor interventions to promote the willingness to receive sexual health education among older adults in China and to promote the popularity of sexual health education in this population.
6.Sexually active status and its correlates among community-based older adults in Tianjin
Bingyi WANG ; Xinyi LI ; Xin PENG ; Leiwen FU ; Tian TIAN ; Yong LU ; Peng XU ; Maohe YU ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(12):1874-1879
Objective:To understand the sexually active status among community-based older adults aged ≥50 years in Tianjin, China, and to explore the potential correlates.Methods:A cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling among community-based older adults aged ≥50 was conducted between June 2020 and December 2022. The estimated sample size was 735. The survey collected questionnaire information through face-to-face interviews with investigators, including sociodemographic, health, and sexual lifestyle characteristics. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess correlates of sexually active status.Results:A total of 776 study participants (510 males and 266 females) were included, whose major age distribution was 50-59 years (45.9%). The overall sexual activity prevalence of the participants was 45.6%. Older age (60-69: a OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.45-0.99; ≥70: a OR=0.12, 95% CI: 0.07-0.21), being male (a OR=1.93, 95% CI: 1.32-2.82), living in urban area (a OR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.12-0.28), living with spouse/married (a OR=2.80, 95% CI: 1.41-5.58), living alone (a OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.27-0.96), having difficulty climbing stairs or walking (a OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-0.97), having chronic diseases (one chronic disease: a OR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.36-0.85; two or more chronic diseases: a OR=0.53, 95% CI: 0.33-0.84) were associated with sexually active status among older adults. Conclusions:Many community-based older adults remained sexually active. There was an association between physical health and sexually active status among community-based older adults. Incorporating sexual health services into healthcare services for community-based older adults could be advocated, with a concurrent emphasis on enhancing the awareness and competence of providing sexual health services among community-based healthcare workers.
7.Utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and its correlates among community- based older adults in Chongqing
Xin PENG ; Bingyi WANG ; Xinyi LI ; Yuwei LI ; Yong LU ; Guohui WU ; Lin OUYANG ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(12):1880-1885
Objective:To investigate the utilization of sexual health services among community-based older adults in Chongqing and explore its potential correlates.Methods:A cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling among community-based older adults aged ≥50 years was conducted in Chongqing between June 2020 and December 2022. A questionnaire including information on demographic characteristics, general health, sexual health status, and sexual health services utilization was collected. Sexual health and reproductive services utilization was defined as having ever been tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or having had a male/gynecological reproductive health examination in the past year. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of the utilization of sexual health services.Results:A total of 794 community-based older adults participated in the study (482 were male, and 312 were female). The mean age was (62.8±8.2) years. The proportion of HIV testing was 18.0%, and the proportion of reproductive health examination was 10.1% among community-based older adults. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age group of 60-69 years (a OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.18-0.76), female (a OR=11.34, 95% CI: 5.71-22.52), monthly income ≥5 000 yuan (a OR=3.05, 95% CI: 1.01-9.27), being sexual activity (a OR=4.99, 95% CI: 2.23-11.15) was significantly associated with had a reproductive health examination in the past year. Conclusions:The proportion of sexual health services utilization among older adults was low. Older sexual health education should be further strengthened, the close relationship between older adults should be correctly guided and dealt with, and the sexual health services suitable for the older population should be formulated.
8.Condom use and its correlates among community-based older adults in Chongqing
Yong LU ; Xin PENG ; Xinyi LI ; Leiwen FU ; Tian TIAN ; Bingyi WANG ; Lin OUYANG ; Guohui WU ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2023;44(12):1886-1892
Objective:To understand the current status of condom use and its correlates among community-based older adults in Chongqing, China.Methods:Cross-sectional study based on a multistage sampling method was conducted in Chongqing from June 2020 to December 2022. The estimated sample size was 735. Through face-to-face interviews, the investigators collected the sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavior characteristics, awareness of AIDS prevention knowledge, etc. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore the correlates of condom use during the last sexual behavior among the participants. Results:A total of 761 participants were included in this study, with 476 males and 285 females, whose average age was (63.8±8.2) years old, mainly in the age group of 60-69 years (44.5%). Among the participants, the rate of condom use during the last sexual behavior was 9.7%. The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that correlates of condom use during the last sexual behavior included urban household registration (a OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.12-4.89), monthly income of 1 000-4 999 Yuan, and 5 000 Yuan and above (a OR=4.49, 95% CI: 1.31-15.41; a OR=16.33, 95% CI: 4.30-62.00), self-assessed sexual behavior risk as very risky/relatively risky (a OR=3.97, 95% CI: 1.40-11.31), awareness of AIDS prevention knowledge (a OR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.21-0.62). Conclusions:The rate of condom use among community-based older adults in Chongqing is low. Comprehensive intervention measures should be taken in combination with the characteristics and needs of community-based older adults to improve awareness of AIDS prevention knowledge and perception of AIDS risk and promote condom use among this population.
9.Status quo regarding the recruit requirements of public health-related employers and training scheme for undergraduates majored in preventive medicine in colleges and universities
Anping FENG ; Yuewei ZHAN ; Bowen LIANG ; Yanxiao GAO ; Tanwei YUAN ; Yuelong SHU ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2021;42(3):555-561
Objective:To investigate public health-related professions' recruit requirements and understand the training scheme for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates in colleges and universities in China.Methods:An online questionnaire was adopted to collect data on the recruit requirements of public health-related professions. Information on the core courses, internship, and practical training for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates was collected through universities' official websites.Results:The employers had a high requirement for education and specific majors. Also, administration professions attached importance to comprehensive quality, while professional positions to professional skills. 47.2% (67/142) employers made Talent Introduction Programs for the next three years. 20.0% (3/15) universities offered all the core courses required by national standards. For internship and practical training, both clinical practice and professional practice's median durations were 16 and 11 weeks, respectively.Conclusion:Employers showed significant demand for public health graduates and having a high requirement for personal ability and comprehensive quality. The universities should improve the setting of core courses and strengthen students' practical ability and overall quality.
10.A survey on the willingness of college students majoring in public health to work in their majors
Bowen LIANG ; Yuewei ZHAN ; Anping FENG ; Yanxiao GAO ; Peiyang LI ; Yuelong SHU ; Huachun ZOU
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2021;42(3):562-568
Objective:To understand the basic qualities, practitioners will and related influences, of undergraduate, master, and doctoral students majoring in public health (hereinafter referred to as public health students), and explore the influencing factors of practitioners will.Methods:Through the online questionnaire survey, we collected information on the basic qualities of the public health students, their practitioners will and related influencing factors, and their opinions on the current state of public health in China. χ 2 test and multi-factor logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of public health students' willingness to engage in public health related work, and word frequency analysis was used to conduct a descriptive analysis of public health students' views on public health in China. Results:A total of 2 081 pieces of valid information were collected, of which 86.54% (1 801/2 081) of the students in the school chose to engage in public health related work in the future. For public health students, the higher the target after-tax monthly income ( OR=0.345, 95% CI: 0.158-0.751), the lower the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future; Very satisfied with school employment guidance work ( OR=4.072, 95% CI: 1.234-13.436) compared with very dissatisfied, the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future is higher. Conclusion:The willingness of students in public health related majors to engage in public health related majors in China is mainly affected by three factors: payment levels, employment guidance and professional post recognition. It is recommended to appropriately raise the salaries of public health related positions. Strengthening school employment guidance training and professional identity training is conducive to enhancing the willingness of public health students to engage in relevant work in their profession.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail