CDC: HIV Trends Among Adolescents, Young Adults

Although individuals aged 13 to 29 years represented 23% of the US population in 2014, that age group accounted for 40% of HIV diagnoses that year.

According to a study published by the CDC in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, during 2010 to 2014, the rates of HIV diagnosis decreased among those aged 16 to 19 years, were stable among those aged 20 to 23, and increased among those aged 24 to 29. “However, these 5-year age groups encompass multiple developmental stages and potentially mask trends associated with the rapid psychosocial changes during adolescence through young adulthood,” wrote the authors of the study.

In order to better understand and identify the ideal ages to target primary prevention efforts in the age group, the authors analyzed data from the National HIV Surveillance System (NHSS). The authors extracted data for people aged 13 to 29 who had an HIV diagnosis between 2010 and 2014 and reported to NHSS through June 2016. The numbers and rates of diagnosed infections were calculated by year of diagnosis and by 2-year and 3-year age groups.

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