Seroprevalence of HIV Among Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinic Attenders Voluntarily Tested for HIV in Barcelona, 1998–2001

Abstract

Spain has been the European country most affected by the AIDS epidemic, and sexual transmission now accounts for the majority of cases of HIV.

The goal was to describe HIV prevalence and risk profiles among people tested for HIV in Barcelona in 1998 to 2001.

We studied cross-sectional HIV surveys among sexually transmitted infection clinic attenders. We performed quantification of risk factors for HIV infection through odds ratios (ORs) and logistic regression.

The prevalence of HIV among the 4993 persons tested was 1.8% (95% confidence interval, 1.5–2.2) without significant changes across the years. HIV prevalence in homo-/bisexual men was higher (P <0.001) at 4.8% than heterosexuals. Although men aged older than 30 compared with those younger were at increased risk, 2.56), young homosexual men were at higher risk (OR, 17.84) to be infected than young heterosexuals.

HIV prevalences were relatively low among all heterosexuals, but much higher among homosexual and bisexual men. The potential exists for ongoing sexual HIV transmission among homo-/bisexual men in Barcelona.