HIV Incidence and Risk Factors for Acquisition in HIV Discordant Couples in Masaka, Uganda: An HIV Vaccine Preparedness Study

2011

HIV Risk Factors in Discordant Couples in Uganda

Sample size: 495 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ruzagira Eugene, Wandiembe Symon, Abaasa Andrew, Bwanika Agnes N., Bahemuka Ubaldo, Amornkul Pauli, Price Matthew A., Grosskurth Heiner, Kamali Anatoli

Primary Institution: Medical Research Council (MRC)/Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)

Hypothesis

What are the incidence and risk factors for HIV acquisition in HIV discordant couples in Masaka, Uganda?

Conclusion

The study identified important risk factors for HIV acquisition among HIV discordant couples, suggesting they may be suitable for HIV vaccine trials.

Supporting Evidence

34 participants seroconverted during 786.6 person-years of observation.
The overall HIV incidence rate was 4.3 per 100 person-years.
Young age, alcohol use, and genital discharge were significant predictors of HIV acquisition.
No seroconversions occurred among participants who reported consistent condom use.

Takeaway

This study looked at couples where one partner is HIV positive and the other is not, to find out how often the uninfected partner gets HIV and what makes it more likely.

Methodology

HIV-uninfected adults in discordant couples were followed for 2 years with quarterly visits for interviews, medical investigations, and risk behavior data collection.