Lauren Iles1, Theodora Consolacion2, Jason Wong2, Troy Grennan2, Mark Gilbert2, Cheryl Prescott3, David Moore4. 1. Algoma Public Health, 9B Lawton Ave, Blind River, ON, P0R 1B0, Canada. liles@algomapublichealth.com. 2. British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, 655 West 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4R4, Canada. 3. Fraser Health Authority, Population and Public Health, Central City Tower, 400-13450 102nd Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3T 0H1, Canada. 4. British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, 608-1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We examined changes in HIV testing indicators following a recent increase in diagnoses among young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in BC that accompanied implementation of a provincial HIV strategy. METHOD: Surveillance and laboratory testing data were used to compare case counts and testing characteristics among GBMSM < 30 and ≥ 30 years diagnosed in 2008-2011 and 2012-2015. We tested differences in the proportion diagnosed on first testing episode, proportion diagnosed at late stage of infection and the median inter-test interval ((ITI) time in months between last negative test and first positive test) using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: In 2008-2011, 657 diagnoses were made among GBMSM: 24% among men < 30 years and 76% among men ≥ 30 years. In 2012-2015, 590 diagnoses were made: 28% among < 30 years and 28% among ≥ 30 years. Among men < 30 years, diagnoses made on first testing episode decreased (39.4% vs. 28.7% in 2012-2015; p = 0.042) and there were few late-stage diagnoses (5.1% in 2008-2011 vs. 9.1% in 2012-2015). The median ITI was 10 months in both periods. No changes were observed over time among men ≥ 30 years. However, in both periods, late-stage diagnosis was more common in men ≥ 30 years (2008-2011, 18.8%; 2012-2015, 18.6%; p < 0.01 for both). The ITI was also longer for men ≥ 30 years (2008-2011, 24.5 months; 2012-2015, 20 months; p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Testing indicators suggested better testing practices among GBMSM diagnosed at < 30 years compared to those diagnosed at older ages. However, there are clear needs for additional prevention measures in both age groups.
BACKGROUND: We examined changes in HIV testing indicators following a recent increase in diagnoses among young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in BC that accompanied implementation of a provincial HIV strategy. METHOD: Surveillance and laboratory testing data were used to compare case counts and testing characteristics among GBMSM < 30 and ≥ 30 years diagnosed in 2008-2011 and 2012-2015. We tested differences in the proportion diagnosed on first testing episode, proportion diagnosed at late stage of infection and the median inter-test interval ((ITI) time in months between last negative test and first positive test) using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: In 2008-2011, 657 diagnoses were made among GBMSM: 24% among men < 30 years and 76% among men ≥ 30 years. In 2012-2015, 590 diagnoses were made: 28% among < 30 years and 28% among ≥ 30 years. Among men < 30 years, diagnoses made on first testing episode decreased (39.4% vs. 28.7% in 2012-2015; p = 0.042) and there were few late-stage diagnoses (5.1% in 2008-2011 vs. 9.1% in 2012-2015). The median ITI was 10 months in both periods. No changes were observed over time among men ≥ 30 years. However, in both periods, late-stage diagnosis was more common in men ≥ 30 years (2008-2011, 18.8%; 2012-2015, 18.6%; p < 0.01 for both). The ITI was also longer for men ≥ 30 years (2008-2011, 24.5 months; 2012-2015, 20 months; p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSION: Testing indicators suggested better testing practices among GBMSM diagnosed at < 30 years compared to those diagnosed at older ages. However, there are clear needs for additional prevention measures in both age groups.
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