Phase I Trial of an Intervention to Increase Condom Use by HIV-Discordant Couples

There is a significant risk of HIV transmission to HIV-uninfected partners in HIV-discordant couples. While condom use has been a major component of most AIDS prevention programs since the mid-1980s, there has been little emphasis on promoting condom use within stable partnerships. The most effective way to promote condom use among discordant couples remains largely unknown.

A pilot study to assess the acceptability of intervention precedes the main study. The Phase I study recruits 15 HIV-infected men and 15 HIV-infected women and their partners at each of three sites (India, Thailand, and Uganda). Volunteers participate in a multi-session group-based condom promotion program for approximately 12 months. Couples are organized into small groups consisting of 4 to 6 couples per group. Each group meets for a total of 4 sessions within a 2- to 4-week period. Follow-up interviews are conducted at Months 1 and 3 following completion of the intervention.

Inclusion criteria

Volunteers must be:

• HIV-positive through HIVNET testing or HIV-seronegative by EIA.
• Presently in a sexual relationship of at least 6 months duration with the intention to remain with this partner for the duration of the study.
• Willing to identify and recruit this sexual partner to which he/she has disclosed or will disclose HIV serostatus.
• Willing to receive counseling and HIV testing (HIV-seronegative partners only).
• Willing to agree to be interviewed with their partner and individually.
• Willing to continue engaging in sex with their partner.
• Willing to participate in a couples-based condom promotion intervention.
• Willing and able to attend each scheduled intervention/follow-up study visit.

Exclusion criteria

Volunteers with the following are excluded:

• History of domestic violence.
• Current consistent condom use.