The Prevalence of HIV-Discordant Couples in sub-Saharan Africa

• In Event: 2184 - Section on Medical Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 17. Sexuality and Sexual Health

Abstract

Research suggests that the majority of all new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa occur among stable couples. HIV-discordant couples are a particularly critical population in terms of HIV care and prevention services given their increased risk for sero-conversion within the primary stable relationship. However, little is known about current prevalence rates for this population and how these rates have changed over time throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This study uses data from 38 Demographic and Health Surveys (multiple time points for 17 countries throughout sub-Saharan Africa) to estimate the prevalence rates of HIV-discordant couples in comparison to HIV-concordant (positive and negative) couples over the last decade. Findings show that HIV-discordant couples remain the majority of all positive couples (couples with at least one positive partner) collectively throughout sub-Saharan Africa. A strong relationship between the general HIV prevalence rate for each country and the prevalence rate of each of the different HIV-status couple types is also demonstrated. These findings suggest the need for a greater focus on HIV-discordant couples in sub-Saharan Africa in terms of HIV research, programs, and services.

Author

• Danielle Denardo, University of Colorado-Boulder