Risk factors associated with HIV transmission between spouses in Henan

Objective To provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS by investigating HIV transmission rate between spouses and related risk factors.Methods The spouses of whom one was infected with HIV by him or her through sexual contact were selected as the case group,while those without infection were selected as the control group.The risk factors for the transmission between husbands and wives were evaluated.Results The couples infected with HIV via sex between them accounted for 11.99% of all the couples who were at risk of sexual transmission.The results of the univariate analysis showed that the risk factors that might influence the transmission between the spouses included gender disparity(HIV transmission occurred from husband to wives or vice verse)(OR=2.41,95%CI 1.31-4.43),age(40 years as a risky age)(OR=1.96,95%CI 1.06-3.62),condom use(OR=5.32,95%CI 2.29-11.75),CD4 level(OR=2.70,95% CI 1.12-6.67),and frequencies of sexual intercourses(≥4 times per month)(OR=9.49,95%CI 3.94-22.82).The results of the Logistic regression analysis indicated that gender disparity(OR=2.46,95%CI 1.30-4.67)and non-condom use(OR=3.82,95%CI 1.32-10.99)were the most important risk factors for HIV transmission between spouses.Conclusions The transmission probability between spouses is 11.99%.The independent risk factors for sexual transmission between spouses were HIV positive husbands who transmit infections to their wives and non-condom use.