HIV Infection on the Rise among Chinese College Students

Abstract

From the early 1980s when it was identified in 2017, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has infected an estimated 78 million people around the world, causing an estimated 35 million acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related deaths.1,2 In China, as of April 30, 2017, the nation reported that 699,471 people were living with HIV/AIDS with 291,198 AIDS patients and 216,727 AIDS caused deaths.3 Young people are gradually becoming one of the most affected groups by HIV/AIDS.4 Data from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) showed that between 2011 and 2015 the average annual growth rate of HIV infection in people aged 15 to 24 in China was 35%. Between January and October 2015, more than 14,000 people in China were infected with HIV, 65% of which were college students.5 Empirical data continuously shows that in China, college students have become a high-risk group for HIV infection.