History of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in Korea

Abstract

The first human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was reported in Korea in 1985. The number of HIV-infected persons domestically increased in the 1990s showing epidemic indigenousization. Since then, the number of new infections gradually increased every year, and recently more than 1,000 newly infected cases were reported per year. A total of 12,522 infected individuals have been reported up to 2015, of which 2,020 died. The male to female ratio was 15.4:1, and 34.2% of them were under 30 years old. The infection route was homosexual and bisexual contact in 60.1% of cases and heterosexual contact in 34.6% of cases. Candidiasis, Pneumocystis pneumonia, tuberculosis were common as a AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome)-defining illness. But with the introduction of antiretroviral therapy in the late 1990s, non-AIDS defining illnesses such as metabolic complications, cardiovascular diseases, bone diseases, and neuropsychiatric disorders such as neurocognitive dysfunction, depression, and anxiety are emerging as new health problems. The management policy switched its focus from regulating and monitoring of HIV-infected persons to ensuring access to treatment and promotion of voluntary HIV testing in high-risk groups. Also as the age of the infected persons increases, a need for various supports such as social rehabilitation, life counseling, and welfare has emerged.

Epidemiological and phylogenetic analysis for non-B subtypes of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in Busan, Korea

“…As of December 2019, the cumulative number of patients with HIV infection in Korea, including non-ethnic Koreans, was 18,724, and more than 1000 new HIV cases have been reported annually since 2013 2 . With the increase in the number of cases, the epidemiological characteristics of HIV have also changed in Korea 3 . After the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Prevention Law was enacted in December 1987, active mass mandatory screening tests for HIV were conducted for certain groups, including overseas sailors (OSs), sex workers and workers in “hygiene-related jobs” such as food factories, hotels, and inns 1 , 3 , 4 .…”

“…With the increase in the number of cases, the epidemiological characteristics of HIV have also changed in Korea 3 . After the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) Prevention Law was enacted in December 1987, active mass mandatory screening tests for HIV were conducted for certain groups, including overseas sailors (OSs), sex workers and workers in “hygiene-related jobs” such as food factories, hotels, and inns 1 , 3 , 4 . In the early period of the HIV epidemic in Korea, HIV infections were detected in these groups until the end of this screening in 1993 1 , 3 .…”

“…Since then, the target population for compulsory HIV testing has been gradually minimized to sex workers, blood donors, military recruits and prisoners, and voluntary testing at hospitals and anonymous testing at public health centers were encouraged 3 , 4 . OSs are still required to undergo a general health check-up including HIV test every 2 years under the Seafarer’s Act in Korea 7 .…”

“…The number of cases infected domestically began to increase in the 1990s 1 , 3 . The annual number of patients newly diagnosed with HIV has been steadily increasing and exceeded 500 in 2003, and 1000 in 2013 2 .…”

Physical and Mental Health Related Quality of Life and Their Influencing Factors on Sexual Minority Women in Korea

“…Under Korean law, same-sex marriages are not allowed, and single parent adoptions are rarely implemented. Moreover, the prevalence of HIV among Korean women is much lower than among men [ 38 ]. Participants responded to “How much has this problem distressed or bothered you during the past 12 months?” by choosing from the options ranging from 0 (did not happen/not applicable to me) to 5 (it happened, and I was extremely bothered) on a six-point Likert scale.…”