The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45084

Amy Lansky, MPH, PhD¹, Toya V. Russell, PhD, MSPH, CHES¹, and Amy J Drake, MPH². (1) Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention--Surveillance and Epidemiology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E 47, Atlanta, GA 30333, 404-639-2050, all0@cdc.gov, (2) TRW-CISSS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E 47, Atlanta, GA 30333

Objective: To assess condom use, by partner's HIV status, among persons at risk for HIV infection. Methods: From June 2000 through February 2001, we conducted anonymous interviews with persons presenting at 7 sexually transmitted disease clinics for the HIV Testing Survey. For analysis, we included heterosexually active respondents; HIV-infected respondents were excluded. We asked about the most recent sex with main and non-main partners in the past 12 months. Results: Of 416 women, 92% had a main partner; 40% had a non-main partner. Among 445 men, 77% had a main partner; 64% had a non-main partner. About 1% reported their main or non-main partner was infected. 22% of women and 17% of men did not know their main partner's HIV status, while 45% of women and 49% of men did not know their non-main partner's HIV status. Most (82% of women, 67% of men) had been tested for HIV; knowledge of partner's status did not differ by respondent's test history. During vaginal sex with main partners, about a third of men and women used condoms, while 50% used condoms for vaginal sex with non-main partners. We found no differences in condom use by partner's HIV status. Conclusion: Although most respondents had been tested, many did not know their partner's status. Condom use did not differ by partner's HIV status; those who did not know their partner's status may have assumed they were not infected. People at risk for HIV should be tested and learn their partner's HIV status.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Discuss the role of the HIV Testing Survey as part of an overall behavioral surveillance program.
• Describe the prevalence of knowledge of partner's HIV status among STD clinic patients.
• Articulate why HIV testing is an important strategy for HIV prevention.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Sexual Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.