Bagurukira BE; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. TuPeF5261.

Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda

BACKGROUND: Most prevention of HIV/AIDS has been directed at sex with casual or commercial workers, yet sex with regular or married couples constitutes a portion of the risk in some settings. Ten percent of HIV infected couples in Uganda are discordant. Negative partners are at a constant risk of acquiring HIV infection from HIV positive partners. Many people do not believe that it is possible for sexually active couples to have different HIV infection status. METHOD: From June, 2001 to November 2001, A study to assess the knowledge about discordant HIV sero status was carried out among 50 students randomly selected age group 25-50 years. Participants, after introduction of the topic that couples could have different HIV results, semi structured questionnaire was administered. RESULTS: Of those who acknowledged the possibility of discordance, reported:- 10/30 (33.3%) Reported belief that having Blood Group O was resistant to HIV and protected the Negative partner. 10/30 (33.3%) Reported Infrequent sexual Intercourse as contributing to discordance. 8/30 (26.6%) Reported consternate and correct use of condoms between the partners. 2/30 (6.6%) Avoiding sex during menstruation 2/30 (6.6%) Avoiding any traumatic sex. 2/30 (6.6%) Reported male circumcision. CONCLUSION: Many students knew about HIV discordance among couples and possible explanation for it. A significant number did not believe that HIV discordance exists. Increase couple counselling, testing and dissemination of information about discordance and measures to protect the Negative partners must be emphasized appropriately in order to decrease the risk of transmission in this high risk group.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Condoms
• Counseling
• Family Characteristics
• Female
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Knowledge
• Male
• Students
• Uganda

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0014548

UI: 102252046

From Meeting Abstracts