Trend Analysis of Major Sexually Transmitted Infections in China, 1999-2018

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are mainly transmitted by sexual contact or similar sexual contact, which can cause diseases of genitourinary organs ,accessory lymphatic system and major organs of the whole body. STIs include clinically symptomatic diseases and asymptomatic infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide.By analyzing the temporal trend of the sexually transmitted infections incidence in China in the past 20 years, we can provide a scientific basis for the further development of prevention and control measures related to sexually transmitted infections. Methods Joinpoint regression model is used to fit the incidence data of three sexually transmitted diseases in China from 1999 to 2018. Annual percentage change (APC) and Average annual percentage Change (AAPC) are calculated to evaluate the temporal trend changes of the incidence of three major sexually transmitted diseases. Results The overall incidence of AIDS/HIV has been on the rise for 20 years, rising by an average of 33.7% per year (P < 0.05). The most obvious increase is in 2002–2005, an average annual increase of 102.5%. The overall incidence of gonorrhea is on a downward trend, decreasing by 4.9% per year on average (P < 0.05).However, its incidence shows a slow rising trend from 2012 to 2018, with an average annual increase of 6.0%. The overall incidence of syphilis is also on the rise, increasing by an average of 9.1% per year (P < 0.05). Except 1999–2003, the incidence of syphilis shows a downward trend, and the other time stages shows a significant upward trend. Conclusions In the past 20 years, the corresponding measures have been taken in China for sexually transmitted infections and achieved remarkable results, but the three major sexually transmitted infections are still in the forefront of the reported notifiable infectious diseases incidence in China. At the same time, all sexually transmitted infections are beginning to shift from high-risk population to the general population, especially adolescents and the floating population.Therefore, China should still pay more attention to the prevention and control of STIs to hold back their further spread or epidemic.