Analysis of temporal trend in HIV/AIDS infection in western Santa Catarina: a retrospective study 1984 - 2015

Background and Objectives: HIV/AIDS detection rates portray local scenarios and enable the description of epidemiological characteristics of a given phenomenon. This study analyzes the temporal trend in HIV/AIDS detection rates, according to gender and age group, in western Santa Catarina between 1984 and 2015. Methods: This is a time-series observational study, with secondary database query. Data were tabulated in Microsoft Excel and detection rates were obtained; temporal analysis was performed using Poisson's Regression. Results: The profile of HIV-infected people/patients in western Santa Catarina is: white, male heterosexual, aged between 40 to 59 years and incomplete elementary school. A significant increase was identified in the overall population, especially male. Gender and age group ratio indicate intense dynamics of change since the beginning of the epidemic. Detection rates increased in both genders and in different age groups. Conclusion: New epidemic scenarios motivate tools and strategies to promote health and prevent infection, especially among the young male population.