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HIV in couples in South India; implications for prevention
M Chatterjee Rogers1, G Gopalakrishnan, N Kumarasamy
1Brown University/ Miriam Hospital, Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, 164 Summit Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|June 23, 2005
Summary
In Chennai, India, 56% of couples studied had both partners infected with HIV. Heterosexual intercourse was the main transmission route, with behaviors changing post-diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- HIV remains a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding transmission dynamics within couples is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate HIV prevalence and transmission patterns in couples in Chennai, India.
- To identify risk factors associated with HIV concordance and discordance.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of couples in Chennai.
- Analysis of HIV status, risk behaviors, and clinical data (CD4 count).
Main Results:
- 56% of couples were HIV concordant (both partners infected).
- Heterosexual intercourse was the primary transmission route.
- Factors like commercial sex work (men) and genital ulcer disease (women) were linked to concordance.
- Median CD4 counts differed between concordant and discordant men.
- Post-diagnosis, couples increased condom use and decreased sexual frequency.
Conclusions:
- HIV transmission within couples is substantial in this Chennai population.
- Targeted interventions addressing specific risk factors are needed.
- Behavioral changes observed post-diagnosis highlight potential for prevention.