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HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: a national surveillance
Insights
HIV surveillance in Bangladesh from 1989-1996 found a low but increasing prevalence, particularly among men. Early intervention is crucial to prevent widespread Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- HIV/AIDS surveillance is critical for understanding disease trends.
- Bangladesh initiated nationwide HIV/AIDS surveillance in 1989.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and trends of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh.
- To identify high-risk populations and geographical areas for HIV infection.
Main Methods:
- Convenience sampling of various risk groups including blood donors, STD patients, pregnant women, commercial sex workers, tuberculosis patients, truck drivers, sailors, and non-residents.
- HIV testing was conducted on 70,676 individuals between 1989 and 1996.
- Statistical analysis to determine prevalence rates, odds ratios, and confidence intervals.
Main Results:
- Overall HIV prevalence was 1.13 per 1000 (80 positive cases).
- Prevalence remained steady until 1994, then increased rapidly.
- Male heterosexuals had a significantly higher HIV rate (3.40 per 1000) than females (0.29 per 1000).
- 12% of patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were HIV positive.
- HIV cases were concentrated in Sylhet and Chittagong districts.
Conclusions:
- HIV prevalence in Bangladesh was increasing, especially among heterosexual males.
- Cross-border movement to countries with higher HIV rates poses a risk for spread.
- Early intervention strategies are essential to prevent an epidemic in Bangladesh.
Abstract:
Nationwide surveillance of HIV/AIDS from 1989 through 1996 in Bangladesh included several risk groups such as professional blood donors, patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnant women at antenatal clinics, commercial sex workers (CSWs), patients with tuberculosis, long-distance truck drivers, sailors, and non-residents. The population was enrolled by convenience sampling after taking informed consent. Among 70,676 persons tested, 80 (1.13 per 1000) were HIV positive. The prevalence rate was steady until 1994, and then increased rapidly. The rate among male heterosexuals was significantly higher than that in females (3.40 per 1000 versus 0.29 per 1000; odds ratio (OR) 11.60; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 6.45 to 21.16; P < 0.0001). Twelve per cent of patients with STDs had HIV. The HIV cases concentrated in 2 districts, Sylhet (25/72) and Chittagong (20/72), that border India and Myanmar (formerly Burma), respectively. Frequent movement of people of Bangladesh to India, Pakistan, Myanmar and Thailand, where HIV rates are higher, is one of the possible sources of spread of the cases. Bangladesh has the potential to avert epidemic spread of HIV at its early stage.