Sexual Risk Factors for HIV Infection in Sub-Saharan Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Chen Li, Jha Prabhat, Stirling Bridget, Sgaier Sema K., Daid Tina, Kaul Rupert, Nagelkerke Nico
Primary Institution: Centre for Global Health Research, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto
Hypothesis
Do sexual risk factors for HIV transmission change as HIV epidemics mature?
Conclusion
Sexual risk factors such as multi-partner sex, paid sex, and STIs remain significant for HIV transmission even in advanced epidemics.
Supporting Evidence
- Women with 3+ sex partners had an odds ratio of 3.64 for HIV infection.
- 9% of infected women reported ever having been paid for sex, compared to 4% of controls.
- HIV infection risk was significantly associated with HSV-2 infection, with an odds ratio of 4.62 in women.
Takeaway
Having many sexual partners or paying for sex can increase the chances of getting HIV, even if the disease is common in the area.
Methodology
Systematic review of 68 studies involving HIV positive adults and controls, analyzing sexual risk factors and their associations with HIV infection.
Potential Biases
Possible underreporting of sexual behaviors due to social stigma.
Limitations
Most studies were cross-sectional, which may limit causal inferences; potential misclassification of self-reported risk factors.
Participant Demographics
Included 17,000 HIV positive adults and 73,000 controls from various African countries.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%CI [2.87–4.62]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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