Background
The threat posed by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS/HIV and HBV, to the elderly Chinese population remains unclear.
Methods
National surveillance data, including case numbers, numbers of deaths, incidence and mortality, on 4 STDs from 2004–2018 was collated. Subjects were divided into two groups of older (aged ≥ 60) and younger (aged<60) participants. The older group subdivided into those aged 60+ (ages 60–69), 70+ (ages 70–79) and 80+ (≥ 80). Time periods, 2004–2008, 2009–2013 and 2014–2018 were examined. Comparison of epidemiological characteristics between older and younger groups, the 3 sub-divisions of the older groups and incidence trends of the 4 diseases among older participants were analyzed using the χ2 test.
Results
STDs incidence was significantly different between older and younger participants. Incidences of syphilis, AIDS/HIV and HBV among older were higher than younger subjects following the years 2006, 2010 and 2015, Besides, the incidences of syphilis, AIDS/HIV and HBV showed increasing trends in 2004–2018. Mortality from all 4 diseases was also higher among older than younger subject. Moreover, mortality from AIDS/HIV increased between 2004 and 2018. Analysis of the 3 sub-divisions of the older group showed that 60 + participants had the highest incidence of gonorrhea, AIDS/HIV and HBV; 70 + participants had the highest mortality from AIDS/HIV and the fastest growth rate of AIDS/HIV incidence and mortality.
Conclusion
Syphilis, gonorrhea, AIDS/HIV and HBV constituted a threat to the health of older people in China in the time period 2004–2018.