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Number of adults tested for HIV reached a record high in 2009
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A study conducted by CDC researchers showed an increase of HIV testing among adults in 2009 and a decrease of late HIV diagnosis, according to a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Anna Satcher Johnson, MPH, of the Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention at the CDC, and colleagues analyzed data from 2001 to 2009 from the National Health Interview Survey to estimate percentages of those aged 18 to 64 years who reported ever having been tested for HIV in the US.
Populations and regions most affected by HIV/AIDS, late HIV diagnosis, and trends in late HIV diagnoses over time were assessed. The researchers estimated numbers, percentages, and rates of HIV and AIDS diagnosis, and trends in late diagnoses — determined as an AIDS diagnoses made 12 months or less after initial HIV diagnosis.
Based on the results of the study, the percentage of adults ever tested for HIV was approximately 40% from 2001 to 2006 and increased by 11.4 million adults to 45% in 2009, totaling 82.9 million adults. The percentage of late diagnoses of HIV infection was approximately 37% from 2001 to 2004, decreasing to 32.3% by 2007.
According to the researchers, although the number of adults who report ever being tested for HIV is increasing, 55% have never been tested. In addition, late diagnosis is decreasing; however, 32% of diagnoses still occur late. Increased testing efforts are needed, particularly among populations that account for most HIV diagnoses, they wrote.
“These results indicate that progress has been made, but continued and intensified efforts are needed to identify persons with undiagnosed infection,” the researchers wrote. “With increased testing and linage to care, more persons infected with HIV are identified, and if persons are diagnosed early in their infection, earlier treatment will reduce disease progression to AIDS.”
For more information:
- Satcher Johnson A. MMWR. 2010;59:1550-1555.
Disclosure: Ms. Satcher Johnson has no relevant financial disclosures.