Trends in sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections in China from 2005 to 2021: a joinpoint regression model

Abstract

Background Sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs) is a major public health concern in China. This study assessed the overall trends in STBBIs to improve the comprehensive understanding of the burden of STBBIs and provide evidence for their prevention and control. Methods Data for the period from 2005 to 2021 were analyzed across China on infections with hepatitis B or C; syphilis; gonorrhea; and HIV infection. Trends, annual percent change (APC), and average annual percent change (AAPC) in diagnosis rate was analyzed using joinpoint regression models for the five STBBIs together or individually. Results From 2005 to 2021, the overall diagnosis rate of all five STBBIs increased, with an AAPC of 1.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.5% to 3.1%]. Diagnosis rates of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C increased individually, but it decreased for infections of hepatitis B and gonorrhea. Joinpoint analysis identified four phases in diagnosis rate of hepatitis C; three phases in diagnosis rate of hepatitis B, HIV infection, and syphilis; two in diagnosis rate of gonorrhea infection. Conclusion Despite national efforts to prevent and control STBBIs, their overall diagnosis rate has continued to rise in China, and they remain an important public health challenge. Further efforts should be made to educate the general population about STBBIs, particularly HIV. Interventions targeting vulnerable groups should be adopted and their efficacy monitored through regular analysis of trends.

Temporal Trend of Serum Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid among U.S. Adults with or without Comorbidities in NHANES 1999–2018

“…We used log-linear joinpoint regression models, and Monte Carlo permutation tests with 4499 randomly permuted datasets for analysis [29]. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the average rate of change over the entire study period, and a t-test was employed to determine whether the AAPC was significantly different from zero [29]. A positive value of AAPC indicates an upward trend, while a negative value indicates a downward trend [29].…”

“…The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the average rate of change over the entire study period, and a t-test was employed to determine whether the AAPC was significantly different from zero [29]. A positive value of AAPC indicates an upward trend, while a negative value indicates a downward trend [29]. In addition, we used pairwise comparison to examine whether different groups exhibited similar or different trends [30].…”