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Sustained Reduction in HIV Diagnoses in Massachusetts, 2000-2014
Kevin Cranston1, Betsey John1, H Dawn Fukuda1
1Kevin Cranston, Betsey John, H. Dawn Fukuda, Liisa M. Randall, and Alfred DeMaria Jr are with Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston. Jonathan Mermin is with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Kenneth H. Mayer is with The Fenway Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
American Journal of Public Health
|April 12, 2017
Summary
New HIV diagnoses in Massachusetts dropped by 47% between 2000 and 2014. This decline coincided with expanded treatment access and healthcare reforms, suggesting successful public health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- HIV diagnoses in Massachusetts have been tracked since 2000.
- Treatment access has expanded through state initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in reported HIV diagnoses in Massachusetts.
- To correlate these trends with expanded treatment access.
Main Methods:
- Data from the Massachusetts HIV/AIDS Surveillance Program (2000-2014) were analyzed.
- Cases were characterized by demographics and exposure mode.
- Poisson regression was used to assess trend significance.
Main Results:
- Annual new HIV diagnoses decreased by 47% overall (P < .001).
- Significant reductions were observed across all demographic groups and exposure modes, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and heterosexuals.
- Specific reductions included 58% among women, 42% among men, and 91% among people who inject drugs.
Conclusions:
- A sustained reduction in new HIV diagnoses occurred alongside Medicaid expansion and healthcare reform.
- Public health strategies likely contributed to improved care access and reduced diagnoses.
- Future research may explore the impact of expanded HIV treatment and viral suppression.