P19.01
Background: University of Nairobi/University of Manitoba HIV/STI research team has been managing a mother to child HIV prevention clinic (MCH) targeting low risk population in Pumwani since 1988. In 2006, it opened up to all HIV infected individuals to improve access to the much needed ARVs services. Prevention with Positives (PwP) initiative was rolled out in 2008. Where service providers encourage index clients enrolled to disclose their status to sex partners and bring them for HIV testing. The efforts lead to the establishment of the sero-discordant couples' cohort.
Methods: A longitudinal descriptive study has been carried out among sero-discordant couples since September 2008 up to December 2013. Questionnaires were used to collect baseline and resurvey information on demographics, condom use, risk taking behaviors etc from partner of the index clients. HIV rapid test are conducted every six months and their PrEP knowledge ascertained.
Results: Out of 420 partners interviewed, baseline data showed; only 16% were using condoms correctly and consistently while 37% did not use them at all. 63% reported having other sex partners of which 23% reported more than 50 lifetime sex partners. Off the latter group, 45% reported to be married elsewhere but kept the index patient as a regular sex partner. At baseline 11% had knowledge of PrEP but only 2% were willing to use PrEP. However through behavioral change communication 60% are willing to take up PrEP with 88% reporting condom use. In the past year, 18% of these partners have been treated for an STI, no couples agreed to initiate treatment as prevention (TASP). Luckily, only 2% HIV sero conversions noted.
Conclusions: HIV negative individuals in discordant relationships should be labeled key populations. They are highly sexually active with multiple sex partners. Access to PrEP should be mandatory to support ongoing HIV prevention strategies.
