Vogler M, Dugan T, Seidlin M; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1989 Jun 4-9; 5: 115 (abstract no. T.A.P.101).
New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of HIV testing on sexual behavior in heterosexual couples, using data from a prospective study of heterosexual transmission. METHODS: Partners (Ps) of infected individuals (Is) were enrolled if Ps had never used IV drugs, had greater than or equal to 10 episodes of vaginal intercourse (VI) with Is, were not separated from and were capable of additional intercourse with Is. RESULTS: 31 couples were evaluable with a mean duration of follow-up of 12.4 months. Is's were intravenous drug users (23), bisexuals (3), and prior partners of infected heterosexuals (5). 17 Ps were HIV- at entry; none seroconverted during the period of observation. 54% of HIV+ and 25% of HIV- Ps had used non-IV drugs in the year prior to entry. There were no significant differences in marital status, length of relationship, education, or family income between HIV+ and HIV- Ps. All couples were primarily monogamous. All but two reported a change in sexual practices after testing. 4 HIV- and 3 HIV+ Ps became abstinent. The others instituted condom use for VI, but 66% of HIV+ and 40% of HIV- Ps reported inconsistent use. Half of the couples reported anal intercourse (AI) prior to testing; only one couple continued to have AI after testing. Seven Ps were pregnant at the time of their first test, 4 of whom were HIV+. One HIV+ and 3 HIV-s completed the pregnancies. Two pregnancies occurred after HIV testing, both in HIV+s who claimed to be using safe sex practices. CONCLUSIONS: HIV testing of Ps resulted in safer sexual practices, however Ps using condoms for VI did so inconsistently. Because such lapses were especially frequent among HIV+ Ps vertical transmission of HIV remains a persisting risk.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Bisexuality
- Condoms
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Prospective Studies
- Reproductive Behavior
- Sexual Behavior
- Substance Abuse, Intravenous
Other ID:
UI: 102176268
From Meeting Abstracts