RISK-FACTORS FOR CONCORDANT HIV-INFECTION IN HETEROSEXUAL COUPLES IN TRINIDAD

Risk factors for HIV infection in partners of HIV-seropositive index c ases were investigated in a cross-sectional survey. Between September 1992 and April 1994 a total of 251 HIV-infected persons and 76 of thei r sexual partners were interviewed at the main sexually transmitted di seases (STDs) clinic in Trinidad. All participants gave signed consent and responded to a questionnaire. Sixty-four couples had risks for HI V infection through heterosexual intercourse only. However, many recru ited sex partners (57/64) reported heterosexual intercourse with perso ns in addition to the index cases. Overall HIV concordance (both index case and partner HIV infected) was 45% in the couples. HIV concordanc e was not found to be related to the sexual practices within the studi ed unions nor to the clinical status of the index case. After allowing for confounding factors there was an increased risk for HIV concordan ce in couples in unions for greater than or equal to 1 year (adjusted OR 3.48; 95% CI 0.89-13.69, P=0.055), and in those in which sex partne rs had a past history of genital sores (adjusted for prostitution: OR 4.50; 95% CI 1.01-20.4). Interventions targeted at reducing high-risk sexual behaviour, prostitution and cocaine use could be beneficial in reducing the spread of STDs and HIV in Trinidad.