Epidemiology of HIV in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A 10-year Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Background: HIV transmission trends and risk factors have not been specifically reported from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Objective: To report epidemiological trends of HIV/AIDS in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia over a 10-year period. Materials and methods: This retrospective study included all cases of HIV/AIDS in the registry of Department of Infectious Diseases of the Public Health Authority in the Eastern Province, Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, between January 01, 2014, and December 31, 2023. Results: A total of 1633 new cases of HIV infections were reported in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia between 2014 and 2023. Most patients were males (87.1%), aged 30-44 years (49.8%), and Saudis (60.5%). There was a year-on-year increase in the number of cases each year, except in 2016 and 2020. Overall, there was a >2.5-fold increase in the number of cases between 2014 and 2023; there was a 42% increase in the number of cases between 2021 and 2023. The most common source of HIV transmission was heterosexual contact (70.8%). Other modes of transmission, such as injection drug use, homosexual contact, and vertical transmission, were low. Conclusion: The steady rise in the number of HIV cases reported in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia indicates the need for developing stronger surveillance, testing, and prevention programs.