Vol 62, No 4 (2010)
Original article
Published online: 2011-02-24
HIV infection among sefarers in Croatia
IMH 2010;62(4):209-214.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to estimate the magnitude of the HIV problem among seafarers in
Croatia. The study is based on data from the AIDS/HIV Registry of the Croatian National Institute
of Public Health and data on the number of seafarers in Croatia, from the Croatian Seafarers’
Union. All case records of HIV infection among seafarers and the type of their sexual contacts
have been analysed retrospectively. During the period between 1985 and the end of October
2009, a total of 784 persons with diagnosed HIV infection were registered, of which 74 were
seafarers (9.4%). Only 0.25% of Croatian seafarers are HIV infected. Considering the fact that
seafarers are a “bridge” for HIV infection to the population, this article describes the epidemiological
characteristics of HIV infection among Croatian seafarers and suggests measures in combating
HIV infection in their population.
(Int Marit Health 2010; 61; 4: 209-214)
Keywords: HIV infectionseafarersCroatia
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