Baseline Findings of an HIV Incidence Cohort Study to Prepare for Future HIV Prevention Clinical Trials in Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

Introduction In an analysis of baseline findings of an HIV incidence cohort study, an assessment was made of HIV prevalence among persons presenting for enrollment and any differences in demographic characteristics between persons not enrolled compared to those enrolled. We also described and compared HIV risk behaviors in males and females enrolled in the study. Methodology A computer-assisted survey was administered to collect baseline demographic and HIV risk data from 1,277 men and women aged 18–34 years. Testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) was conducted. Out of 1,277 persons prescreened for eligibility, 625 were enrolled. Results HIV prevalence of all persons who completed screening was 14.8% (females: 21.1%; males: 8.1%). The odds of being enrolled in the study were higher for persons 18–24 years compared to those 30–34 years of age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.18, CI=1.13, 4.21] and males compared to females [AOR=2.07, CI=1.43, 2.99]. Among those enrolled in the study, the most prevalent HIV risk behaviors were unprotected sex (49%), alcohol use (45%), and transactional sex (30%) in the last three months. Compared to females, a significantly greater proportion of males reported using any alcohol or recreational drug in the last three months, a history of oral sex, sex with partner other than a spouse or main partner, ever having a blood transfusion, ever being treated for an STI, and having knowledge of their last HIV test result. Conclusion The Kisumu Field Station successfully recruited individuals with HIV risk characteristics for the HIV incidence cohort study.

Prevalence, incidence and correlates of HSV-2 infection in an HIV incidence adolescent and adult cohort study in western Kenya

“…The increasing prevalence with age, female gender, low level of education, number of lifetime sexual partners, HIV co-infection, history of sexually transmitted infections, and currently or previously married have also been reported by other studies in this region as HSV-2 associated factors [6, 10, 14]. The high HIV/HSV-2 co-infection observed in this study corroborates existing evidence of synergistic relationship between the two diseases.…”

“…The study procedures and methods for screening, collection of demographics, behavioral and clinical information, HIV testing, and quarterly follow-up have been previously described in detail [10]. Briefly, community engagement occurred prior to initiating study recruitment in Kisumu and the surrounding area (within 150 kilometres of the city).…”

Evaluation of syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections within the Kisumu Incidence Cohort Study

“…27 Adults 18–34 years of age, residents of Kisumu, HIV-negative at baseline, not pregnant (women only), and reported having had sexual intercourse at least once in the past three months were eligible for study participation.…”

Correlates of prevalent sexually transmitted infections among participants screened for an HIV incidence cohort study in Kisumu, Kenya

“…28 Healthy adults who were 18–34 years of age, residents of Kisumu, sexually active at least once in the past three months, HIV-negative, and not pregnant were eligible to be screened for study participation. Among the 867 who met eligibility for study consideration, 846 completed study screening.…”

“…Reasons for not being eligible for study consideration or having not completed screening have been presented in the literature. 28 …”