[Spatio-temporal distribution and correlation of reported cases of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS in China, 2012-2017].

To compare the time and spatial distribution of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS cases and its correlation, in China from 2012 to 2017. Data on reported hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS cases was gathered from the Direct Reporting System of Infectious Diseases Information Network in China, 2012 to 2017 while annually collected provincial data was based on the date of review and current address. Correlation of the data was analyzed, using both simple correlation and linear regression methods. The number of reported cases of hepatitis C remained stable in China, in 2012-2017, with the number of annual reported cases as 201 622, 203 155, 202 803, 207 897, 206 832 and 214 023, respectively. The number of reported cases on HIV/AIDS showed a steady growing trend, from 82 434, 90 119, 103 501, 115 465, 124 555 to 134 512. However, the numbers of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS cases were in the same, top six provinces: Henan, Guangdong, Xinjiang, Guangxi, Hunan and Yunnan. Results from the simple correlation analysis indicated that there was a positive correlation (>0.5, <0.01) existed between the above-said two kinds of cases at the provincial level in China, in 2012-2017. Again, results from the linear regression analysis also showed that the correlation coefficient and year was strongly correlated (=0.966) while (s) had been linearly increasing with time. Our data showed that there were temporal and spatial correlations existed between the reported cases of hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS at the provincial level, suggesting that relevant prevention and control programs be carried out in areas with serious epidemics. Combination of the two strategies should be encouraged, especially on prevention and treatment measures related to blood transmission.