Demographic and socio-economic determinants of poor HIV-risk perception at first HIV diagnosis: analysis of the HIV Surveillance data, Italy 2010-2016
Authors
Maria Dorrucci, Vincenza Regine, Patrizio Pezzotti, Alessia Mammone, Enrico Girardi, Barbara Suligoi, and the HIV Surveillance System Group
Abstract
Introduction. HIV infections in Italy has not undergone a substantial decline over recent
years. For this reason, we analysed risk-factors and socio-economic indicators of
HIV-risk perception in HIV surveillance data.
Methods. An observational study was conducted and HIV-risk perception was estimated
on the basis of reasons for undergoing testing. Ordinal logistic models were applied with
three groups of response corresponding to three ordered levels of HIV-risk perception.
Results. The study included 18 055 individuals: 27% with low, 40% moderate and 33%
with high perception. A low risk perception was estimated in both areas, least deprived
and highly deprived [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.58, CI: 1.14-2.18 and AOR =
2.33, CI: 1.39-3.90]; for heterosexuals (AOR = 1.96, CI: 1.83-2.11), Injecting Drug Users
(IDU) (AOR =1.82, CI: 1.59-2.08), low education (AOR = 1.74. CI: 1.20-2.54), age
> 40 years (AOR = 1.59, CI: 1.50-1.69), males (AOR = 1.30, CI: 1.20-1.40).
Conclusions. In Italy there is a high percentage of HIV-infected people with poor HIVrisk
perception. Poorer HIV-risk perception was associated with both, least and high
deprivation, low education, older age, male gender, heterosexual and IDU groups. Our
results could be relevant to address targeted HIV testing policies at both local and national
levels.
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