Changes in HIV demographic patterns in a low prevalence population: no evidence of a shift towards men who have sex with men

•There seems to be resurgent HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM), particularly in high prevalence countries.•This study from a low HIV prevalence setting did not find a change in the proportion of MSM among HIV-positive individuals.•MSM still represent a target subgroup for intervention due to the high prevalence of HIV positivity.

SummaryObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the changes in HIV demographics over time in an exceptionally low prevalence population, with particular emphasis on men who have sex with men (MSM).MethodsA total of 1292 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients registered in the ACTHIV-IST Study Group database between 2000 and 2014 were included. The changes occurring over time in the characteristics of patients at the time of initial admission were examined retrospectively.ResultsA gradual increase in the total number of newly diagnosed patients was evident during the study period; however, it was not possible to show an increase in the proportion of MSM within the study population (p = 0.63). There was a male predominance throughout the study (85% vs. 15%), with further increases in the proportion of males in recent years. The mean age was lower at the end of the study (p < 0.05) and there was an increase in the number of unmarried patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionsSexual preference patterns of HIV patients in extremely low prevalence populations may be different, possibly due to an early phase of the epidemic. Nevertheless, MSM still represent a target subgroup for interventions, since they account for a substantial proportion of cases and a resurgent epidemic may be expected among this group in later phases of the epidemic.