Gynecology & Obstetrics
Open Access

Abstract

Prevalence of Couple Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Discordance, and Prevention of New HIV Infection in the Negative Partner in Enugu, South-East Nigeria

Okafor II, Asimadu EE and Okenwa WO

Background: A large number of cohabiting HIV discordant couples do not know each other’s HIV status. The negative partners are unknowingly very vulnerable to HIV infections in such settings.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HIV discordance among cohabiting couples in Enugu, review the literature on their health challenges, and discuss how to prevent new HIV infection in the negative partners. Methods: This was a retrospective study. The Couple HIV Testing and Counseling (CHTC) register in Enugu State University Teaching Hospital; Enugu was evaluated from October 31, 2012 back to January 1, 2009. Relevant data was analyzed using Excel 2007 software, and presented in percentages.

Results: A total of 387 (i.e. 774 sexual partners) couples accessed the CHTC. Twenty eight (28/774, 3.6%) partners opted out while 746 (746, 96.4%) were tested. One hundred and nineteen (119/373, 31.9%) couples were discordant, 185 (185/373, 49.6%) were concordant negative, while 69 (69/373, 18.5%) were concordant positive. Eighty one (81/119, 68.1%) of the discordant female partners tested positive while 38 (38/119, 31.9%) males tested positive.

Conclusion: Many cohabiting couples in Enugu were HIV discordant. The HIV positive female partners were about twice the HIV positive male partners. The HIV negative partners in such health challenging settings are vulnerable to new HIV infections, and need protection to remain negative.