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Incidence of HIV-1 infection and effects of clinic-based
counseling on HIV preventive behaviors among married women in northern
Thailand.
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 2002;29(3)284-288.
Xu F, Kilmarx PH, Supawitkul S, Manopaiboon C, Yanpaisarn S, Limpakarnjanarat
K, Chaikummao S, Mock PA, Young NL, Mastro TD.
Abstract
To determine the incidence of and risk factors for HIV-1 infection among married
women in northern Thailand, we enrolled 779 seronegative women from family
planning clinics and a postpartum ward in Chiang Rai, Thailand, from 1998
through 1999. Women were tested for HIV antibodies at 6 and 12 months after
enrollment. They received HIV prevention counseling at enrollment and at
each follow-up visit. Counseling covered partner communication, partner HIV
testing, and condom use by steady partners. Effects of counseling were measured
using standardized questionnaires. Follow-up rates were 94% at 6 months and
92% at 12 months. Only 1 woman seroconverted during the follow-up period,
yielding an overall HIV incidence of 0.14 per 100 person-years. After receiving
counseling, women reported significantly increased communication with husbands
concerning HIV risk, HIV testing, and condom use during the first 6 months
after enrollment; communication remained high for 6 to 12 months. Women reported
a modest increase in HIV testing and consistent condom use by husbands. The
risk for HIV transmission to women in steady relationships is low in northern
Thailand. Although HIV prevention counseling promoted partner communication,
its effects on HIV preventive behaviors were limited.