International Journal of STD & AIDS > Volume 19, Number 11 > Pp. 752-757

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Original research articles

Unlinked anonymous HIV prevalence among New Zealand sexual health clinic attenders: 2005–2006

S M McAllister RN MPH ^*, N P Dickson FRACP FAFPHM ^* , K Sharples MSc PhD ^*, M R Reid MPH FAChSHM , J M Morgan MRCP FAChSHM , E J MacDonald MBChB FAChSHM , E Coughlan MBChB FAChSHM ^**, T M Johnston RN BA (Nursing) , N A Tanner DCH Dip Ven FRNZCGP  and C Paul MB PhD ^*

^* Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago Medical School, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand; Auckland Sexual Health service, Auckland; Sexual Health Service, Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton; Wellington Sexual Health Clinic, Wellington; ^** Chonk Church Sexual Health Centre, Christ Church; Sexual Health Clinic, Mid Central Health, Palmerston North; Sexual Health Clinic, Tauranga Hospital, Tauranga, New Zealand

Correspondence to: Dr Nigel Dickson Email: nigel.dickson{at}otago.ac.nz

This unlinked anonymous study aimed at determining the prevalence of HIV among sexual health clinic attenders having blood samples taken for syphilis and/or hepatitis B serology in six major New Zealand cities over a 12-month period in 2005–2006. Overall, seroprevalence was five per 1000 (47/9439). Among men who have sex with men (MSM), the overall prevalence and that of previously undiagnosed HIV were 44.1 and 20.1 per 1000, respectively. In heterosexual men, the overall prevalence was 1.2 per 1000 and in women 1.4 per 1000. HIV remains to be concentrated among homosexual and bisexual men. Comparison with a previous survey in 1996–1997 suggests an increase in the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV among MSM and also an increase in the number of MSM attending sexual health clinics. The low prevalence of HIV among heterosexuals suggests no extensive spread into the groups identified at risk of other sexually transmitted infections.

Key Words: HIV seroprevalence • unlinked • anonymous • sexual health clinics

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