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Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
Effect of HIV posttest counseling on STD incidence
J M Zenilman1, B Erickson, R Fox
1Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, Md.
JAMA
|February 12, 1992
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling did not significantly reduce subsequent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Both HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients had high rates of repeat STDs, highlighting a public health challenge.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and counseling are crucial public health interventions.
- Understanding the impact of these interventions on subsequent high-risk behaviors, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), is essential for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of HIV testing and posttest counseling in reducing subsequent high-risk behaviors, specifically the incidence of STDs.
- To compare STD incidence in HIV-seropositive versus HIV-seronegative patients after testing and counseling.
Main Methods:
- A chart review was conducted on 868 HIV-seropositive and 1104 HIV-seronegative patients at a public STD clinic.
- Patients were matched by age, sex, and HIV test month and observed for incident STDs over 6-23 months post-counseling.
- STD diagnoses were classified hierarchically after notification of HIV test results and receipt of posttest counseling.
Main Results:
- While 71% of HIV-seropositive and 63% of HIV-seronegative patients returned for counseling, significant rates of repeat STDs were observed in both groups.
- HIV-seropositive patients had a 3.9% rate of probable STDs compared to 10.2% in HIV-seronegative patients (P < .001).
- A higher proportion of HIV-seronegative patients (3.3%) than HIV-seropositive patients (1.5%) reported an STD-infected sexual partner (P < .03).
Conclusions:
- Both HIV-seropositive and HIV-seronegative individuals exhibited high rates of repeat STDs following posttest counseling.
- These findings underscore a significant public health challenge in developing effective strategies to prevent high-risk behaviors and reduce STD transmission.
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