[HIV prevalence among heterosexual subjects with multiple partners in Amsterdam]

To study the prevalence of HIV-infection among heterosexuals with multiple partners, participants were recruited from a STD clinic in Amsterdam. In 1988, 785 visitors met the selection criteria, of whom 361 (46%) finally participated. An HIV prevalence of 2/361 (0.6%) was found among participants. To test representativity, participants and refusers were compared on demographic characteristics and prevalence of STDs. Male refusers were on average younger, had on average fewer partners and relatively more often had a foreign nationality. Female refusers had on average fewer partners. No differences were found in the prevalence of STDs between participants and refusers. Because of the high refusal rate and differences between participants and refusers, the HIV prevalence found is not representative of heterosexuals with multiple partners.