Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Genotypic Inference of HIV-1 Tropism Using Population-based Sequencing of V3
Published on: December 27, 2010
Brief Report: Predictors of Concurrent Sexual Partnerships and Association With Recent HIV Infection in a Large
Sikhulile Moyo1,2,3,4,5, Etienne Kadima Yankinda1,5, Kathleen E Hurwitz6
1Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana.
Background:
Multiple concurrent sexual partnerships (MCP) may drive new HIV infections. We investigated the association between MCP and recent or incident HIV infection in a cluster-randomized HIV prevention trial that followed a population-based HIV incidence cohort across 30 communities in Botswana.
Methods:
We used structured questionnaires to evaluate MCP for prior 12 months, defined as either (1) MCP per UNAIDS definition or (2) concurrent sexual relationship per survey questions. Recent HIV infection was determined using an avidity assay-based algorithm or seroconversion within 2 years, and incident infection was determined through annual HIV testing for up to 3 years. We estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for MCP predictors using univariate and multivariable Poisson regression with log-link and fixed effects for matched pairs.
Results:
We included 11,965 (94.9%) of the 12,610 participants in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project with sexual history data. Among 9363 sexually active persons in prior 12 months, 2770 (29.6%) were engaged in MCP. Factors independently associated with MCP included male sex (aPR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.45 to 1.71), age < 25 years (aPR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.56), alcohol consumption ≥ 2 times/week (aPR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.26 to 1.51), transactional sex (aPR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.49 to 1.92), having a partner with MCP (aPR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.65 to 2.02), and intergenerational sex (partners 10 years younger: aPR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.28 or 10 years older: aPR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.51). Reporting prior MCP was associated with HIV seroconversion during follow-up (aPR= 1.28, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.57) but not with prevalent or recent HIV infection at baseline.
Conclusions:
MCP was common and associated with incident HIV infection. People reporting MCP may benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Related Concept Videos
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
Relationship Formation
Longitudinal Research
Prevalence and Incidence
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Bias in Epidemiological Studies

