This study examined the time trend and pattern of HIV/AIDS-related deaths in China. Data on HIV deaths and AIDS deaths were provided by the Chinese Ministry of Health. Time trend of the overall death rates over the period 2000-2012 was examined using Poisson regression models. Pattern of AIDS deaths was examined for the period 2006-2012, using the age-, gender-, and region-specific death rates. The results indicated that HIV/AIDS-related death rate increased significantly in China over the past decade, with an average annual percentage change of 22.3%. A vast majority of the deaths occurred among those aged between 20 and 65 years, with two age peaks. The death rate was higher for males than females and in rural areas than urban areas. A total of 83% of the deaths occurred among rural residents and 67% among males. The upward trend and distribution pattern of HIV/AIDS-related deaths depicted in the present study not only provides valuable information for additional understanding of the dynamics of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in China, but also has implications for evidence-based public health intervention strategies and policies as well as for further studies.
Keywords: AIDS; China; HIV; death rate; time trend.