The objective of this study was to assess the epidemiological trends among patients with AIDS in Tianjin, China. A long-term surveillance study was conducted from 2005 to 2016 in Tianjin, China. All patients with AIDS registered in Tianjin from 2005 to 2016 were recruited to this study. Demographic information and clinical features were recorded. A total of 3062 patients with AIDS who were treated with antiretroviral therapy were included in this study. Among AIDS patients, men were more likely to be younger than women (age, 37.84 years vs. 43.27 years; P < 0.001). The incidence of AIDS increased by 39.6% annually over the past 12 years overall. There was the greatest increase (by 44.7%) for homosexual route. Moreover, the proportion of patients aged < 30 years increased considerably over the 12-year study period, while there was a decrease in the proportion of patients aged ≥ 35 years. The frequency of homosexual transmission increased by 86% from before 2011 to 2016, but the frequency of heterosexual transmission decreased by 49%. The frequency of transmission through intravenous drug use decreased in men and patients aged 25-29 years. For those infected through homosexual transmission, there was a significant increase in the numbers of patients aged 20-24 years and 25-29 years. It is important for developing countries to effectively prevent and control the transmission of HIV/AIDS; in particular, it is crucial to promote disease education and sexual protection among young men.
Keywords: AIDS; China; epidemiology; incidence; trends.