Mlingo M, Brown J, Kelly C, Mutevedzi T, Chirenje ZM, Padian N; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeC7329.
University of Zimbabwe/University of California, San Francisco, Harare, Zimbabwe
Background: To compare the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and demographic factors among HIV infected and HIV uninfected women at enrollment into a condom promotion study. Methods: Between June 2000-July 2001, we enrolled 997 sexually active women aged 18-64 years from post natal and family planning clinics into a 2-month intensive condom promotion in Harare. Data on socio-demographics, sexual behavior, contraceptive history, and condom use were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire at enrollment. Also at enrollment, participants received a pelvic examination and were counseled and tested for HIV, syphilis, T. vaginalis, C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhea, and candidiasis. Results: Approximately one-third (32%) of participants were HIV infected at the enrollment visit. Compared to the HIV uninfected women, the HIV infected women were slightly older (30.2 yrs vs.28.9 yrs, p=0.01) received less education (32% attained O level or higher education vs. 41%, p<0.01), and were less likely to be married and living with their partner (87% vs.96%, p<0.01). HIV infected women were also more likely to test positive for T. vaginalis (18%vs.6%, p<0.01) and syphilis (5%vs.2%, p=0.04). In multivariate logistic regression models, testing positive for T. vaginalis was the most significant predictor of being infected with HIV (OR=3.39, 95% CI=(1.99,5.75)). Conclusions: T. vaginalis and syphilis were more prevalent among women with HIV infection, and T. vaginalis was the most significant predictor of HIV infection. Because of the potential adverse outcomes of these infections, including increased susceptibility to HIV among T. vaginalis and syphilis infected women and increased HIV infectivity of HIV/STI co-infected individuals, development of specific guidelines for treatment and follow-up of T. vaginalis and syphilis among HIV-infected and uninfected women, as well as follow-up of their sexual partners is essential.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Condoms
- Condoms, Female
- Female
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Prevalence
- Research Design
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexual Partners
- Syphilis
- Zimbabwe
- therapy
Other ID:
UI: 102281109
From Meeting Abstracts