Epidemiology of HIV among Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States, 2001-2008

Abstract

Background: Recent analyses have shown increases in combined annual HIV diagnosis rates for Asians and Pacific Islanders (API). Methods: Using surveillance data from 33 states and 4 dependent areas we investigated the epidemiology of HIV among API during 2001—2008. Results: HIV diagnoses for API during 2001—2008 were predominantly among persons age 30-39 years (40%) and males (78%). The primary risk factor for males was sexual contact with males (78%) and for females, heterosexual contact (86%). API were the only racial/ethnic groups with a statistically significant estimated annual percentage increase (4.4%) in HIV diagnoses over the time period. Thirty-seven percent of HIV diagnoses among API progressed to AIDS in <12 months, with significantly greater likelihood among those 30 years and older. Survival was lower among API with AIDS diagnosis after 49 years of age, and was higher among persons with AIDS whose primary risk factor for infection was heterosexual contact. Conclusions: In contrast to other racial/ethnic groups, API were the only groups to show a significant increase in HIV diagnoses. A clearer understanding of the reasons for this trend is needed, so that appropriate interventions can be selected and adapted to prevent increased HIV prevalence among API in the U.S.