George K, Hom D, McGrath J, Johnson JL, Mugyenyi P, Mugerwa R, Ellner J; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 443 (abstract no. 519/23507).

Joint Clinical Research Centre Kampala, Uganda.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the HIV-1 seroprevalence, seroincidence and identify risk factors for seroconversion among young Ugandan military males seen between 1995 to 1997. DESIGN: Prospective cohort design for the measurement of seroincidence and a nested case-control study design for measurements of risk factors for seroconversion. METHODS: HIV-1 screening of male military recruits aged 19-30 yrs. of age was conducted at Ugandan military barracks stationed in a 200 kilometer radius of Kampala from September 1995 to April 1997. Eligible males were enrolled into longitudinal follow-up over 24 months to measure seroconversion and vaccine trial acceptability. Routine follow-up was done by trained civilian field team members at participant barracks in a confidential fashion with pre- and post-test counseling, medical exam, blood collection and education provided. Seroconversion was based on EIA (Cambridge Bioscience) and western blot (Biorad Novapath) confirmation on 2 independent specimens. Confirmed seroconverters were compared to a 20% random sample of seronegatives to identify univariate predictors of conversion measured at baseline. RESULTS: Overall prevalence of HIV-1 at screening was 27%, 95% CI: 24.9-29.1%). HIV-1 seroconverters (n = 50) were identified during study follow-up of 1221 enrolled soldiers, producing a seroincidence rate of 3.44 (95% CI: 2.50-4.38) per 100 person-years after 1452 pyrs of follow-up observed. Univariate risk factors for seroconversion were: 1) more than one different sexual partner reported in the last 6 months (OR = 1.8); 2) more than 1 new partner in the last 12 months (OR = 2.1); and 3) a positive syphilis serology (OR = 3.6), p < .05. Other demographic factors (age, education, marital status, condom use) were not predictive of seroconversion. CONCLUSION: Risk for HIV-1 seroconversion remains high in this group of recruits in the Ugandan military. Typical high risk profile of STDs, multiple partners and recent new partners was observed. Lack of heterogenity in the other usual risk factors suggests continued difficulties in targeting individuals at high risk in the Ugandan military and/or the ability to sustain appropriate prevention measures for long periods.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• HIV Seropositivity
• HIV Seroprevalence
• HIV-1
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Military Personnel
• Prevalence
• Risk Factors
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Uganda

Other ID:

• 98395535

UI: 102229135

From Meeting Abstracts