An analysis of risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection among Chinese blood donors.

BACKGROUND

Information regarding the risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among Chinese donors is important for understanding the trend of HIV transmission routes and for developing effective donor behavioral screening policies.

STUDY DESIGN AND

METHODS

In 2009 to 2011, a total of 77 HIV-positive and 649 HIV-negative consented donors who screened nonreactive for hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, syphilis, and alanine aminotransferase in four Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study-II Chinese regions received and completed a questionnaire by mail regarding their recent and past medical procedures, drug use, and sexual behaviors, etc. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses grouped questions into three risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between risk factors and HIV status adjusting for center, age, sex, and education.

RESULTS

The three risk factors were test-seeking tendency, medical-related risks, and behavioral risks. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, greater test-seeking tendency and behavioral risks were associated with HIV infection, with the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) being 2.2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-4.1) and 3.8 (95% CI, 1.8-7.9), respectively, but medical risks were not (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.6-2.2). In comparison to less high school education, high school and more education was associated with lower risks for HIV infection, with the ORs being 0.35 (95% CI, 0.17-0.70) and 0.17 (95% CI, 0.09-0.33), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Test-seeking tendency and high-risk sexual behaviors are important predictors of HIV infection in Chinese blood donors, suggesting that the health history inquiry used in donor selection process needs improvement to defer high-risk donors more effectively.