Voluntary Counseling And Testing Clients Research Articles

Non-opioid recreational drug use and a prolonged HIV outbreak among men who have sex with men in Taiwan: An incident case-control study, 2006–2015

Limited data are available on the role of illicit non-injecting drug use in a prolonged HIV outbreak that predominantly affected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Taiwan since 2006. We aimed to assess associations between specific types of drug use and incident HIV infections in this outbreak. We conducted a retrospective case-control study among MSM clients at voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service at National Taiwan University Hospital (Taipei, Taiwan). We used BED IgG-capture enzyme immunoassay to identify incident HIV infection (cases), individually matched to HIV-negative MSM clients (controls) by HIV testing date. We used a structured questionnaire to obtain the information on illicit drug use and sexual risk behaviors. From a total of 15,305 MSM client visits during 2006-2015, 387 cases were matched to 1012 controls. Use of inhaled nitrites (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.1), MDMA (aOR 2.9), amphetamines (aOR 1.6), and ketamine (aOR 1.5) were independently associated with incident HIV infection. Polydrug (≥2 drugs) use was associated with the highest risk (aOR 4.3; 95% CI 2.6-7.2). While the proportion of MSM VCT clients who reported use of any recreational drug remained stable during 2006-2015 (average: 9.7%, P: 0.38), there was a shift in specific types of drug use, from MDMA/ketamine to inhaled nitrites/amphetamine, after 2011 (all Ps<0.05). Non-opioid recreational drugs use is associated with incident HIV infection in this prolonged HIV outbreak. There is an urgent need to formulate an effective public health response to mitigate the risk.

The need for family planning among female clients of HIV/AIDs Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers in northeast Ethiopia: Integration of family planning with VCT

IntroductionAmalgamating family planning services with HIV/AIDS services for example VCT is very important in preventing unplanned pregnancy, plummeting number of AIDS orphan, preventing perpendicular transmission of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. Due to this reason, this study focuses on to determine the level of stipulate and unmet need for family planning among female on VCT. MethodsInstitution based cross-sectional study design was employed in different VCT centers. The study participants were female VCT clients who are in reproductive age group. For sample selection Multistage sampling technique was employed. The study employed mixed study approaches. ResultsThe result showed that large amount of VCT clients want either to limit or to delay child bearing. From the total study participants 166 sexually active clients 30% were current users of family planning methods and out of 384 non users of family planning methods 60% planned to use in the future. The unmet need for family planning among sexually active clients was 55%. The sero-status of the client was not significantly associated with the extent of family planning counseling and the level of unmet family planning need. Multivariate analysis showed that those who were in the age groups 15–19 and 20–24 years were more likely to have high unmet need for family planning as compared to those who were beyond 24 years. ConclusionThe unmet need for family planning in women VCT clients was very high and it was not given due attention at VCT centers in the study area.

Spatial characteristics of men who have sex with men and transgender women attending HIV voluntary counselling and testing in Bangkok, Thailand, 2005-2015.

Spatiotemporal analyses can support Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) prevention programmes by identifying locations of at-risk populations in space and time, and their proximity to HIV testing and prevention services. We assessed residential proximity to HIV testing venues for Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Transgender Women (TGW) attending Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) at a large urban MSM clinic in Bangkok, Thailand in the period 2005-2015. We mapped clientprovided spatial data and HIV testing venues, calculating distance from residence to venues for VCT clients between i) September 2005-December 2009; ii) January 2010-September 2013; and iii) October 2013-May 2015. We assessed spatial characteristics across times, evaluating autocorrelation of HIV prevalence and visit density using Moran's I. Among 8,758 first-time VCT clients reporting geographic information from 2005-2015 (by period: 2737, 3917, 2104), 1329 (15.2%) lived in postal codes ≤5 km from the clinic. Over time, the proportion living in areas covered by Bangkok postal codes ≤2 km from any MSM HIV testing venue increased from 12.6% to 41.0% (p<0.01). The proportion living ≤5 km from the clinic decreased from 16.6% to 13.0% (p<0.01). HIV prevalence and clinic visit density demonstrated statistically significant non-random spatial patterning. Significant non-random patterning of prevalent infection and client visits highlighted Bangkok's urban HIV epidemic, clinic proximity to clients, and geographic reach. Clients lived closer to testing venues, yet farther from the urban MSM clinic, over time. Spatiotemporal characteristics of VCT clients can help assess service accessibility and guide targeted prevention planning.

Sexual and gender-based violence and HIV in South Africa: An HIV facility-based study.

South Africa (SA) is known to have high levels of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and HIV. Studies that explore the intersections of the two phenomena tend to be done at sites that provide services for survivors of SGBV, but few have explored experiences of SGBV of individuals attending HIV testing and treatment health facilities. Although HIV voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) services are generally well practised at ensuring pre- and-post-test counselling, there is little evidence that SGBV is included in routine screening. There is therefore a gap in knowledge of the prevalence of SGBV among patient populations in HIV testing and treatment settings. To assess levels of SGBV in a patient population of an HIV facility in SA. This cross-sectional study used a screening tool and a longer in-depth questionnaire on the prevalence of SGBV. A random sample of VCT clients were screened. Prevalence questionnaires were administered to a convenience sample of patients attending treatment literacy classes. A total of 1 936 VCT clients completed the screening tool, of whom 2% reported forced sex without a condom or rape. Of the 436 patients who completed the in-depth prevalence questionnaire, 71% were women; 12% of women had been forced to have sex the last time that they had sexual intercourse. The lifetime prevalence of sexual violence was 14% and the lifetime prevalence of physical violence was 16%. Levels of SGBV are high among populations attending HIV testing and treatment facilities. Healthcare providers need to be able to identify SGBV and provide appropriate services to survivors of SGBV who are seen at HIV testing and treatment facilities.

Awareness and willingness towards pre-exposure prophylaxis against HIV infection among individuals seeking voluntary counselling and testing for HIV in Taiwan: a cross-sectional questionnaire survey

ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the awareness and willingness towards pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among individuals seeking voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV in Taiwan, where PrEP is currently not reimbursed...

Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus among voluntary counseling and testing clients at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe epidemiology of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Ethiopia varies with regions, study population, and time. Thus, timely information on HIV epidemiology is critical for the combat of the epidemic. In this study, we aim to update HIV prevalence and risk factors among voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA total of 2,120 VCT clients’ records from September 2007 to August 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical significance was set at P-value <0.05.ResultsOf 2,120 VCT clients, 363 (17.1%) were seropositive for HIV. A higher rate of HIV positivity was observed among female clients (20.4%) than that in male clients (14.0%) (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.26–1.98, P=0.00). Widowed (95% CI 10.42–34.92, P=0.00), married (95% CI 3.42–5.94, P=0.00), divorced (95% CI 2.79–5.32, P=0.00), and illiterate (95% CI 2.33–5.47, P=0.00) clients were associated with HIV infection with the odds ratios of 19.07, 4.51, 3.85, and 3.57, respectively. Clients within the age category of 35–49 years (OR 5.03, 95% CI 3.56–7.12, P=0.00) and above the age of 50 years (OR 4.99, 95% CI 2.67–9.34, P=0.00) were more likely to be infected with HIV.ConclusionHIV is still the major concern of public health in the Gondar area as evidenced by our data. Being female, widowed, married, illiterate, and older age were the identified risk factors for HIV infection. Thus, consideration of these factors in future intervention and clinical practice is recommended.

Increasing incidence of recent hepatitis C virus infection among persons seeking voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Taiwan

ObjectivesThe incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-negative men who have sex with men (MSM) is rarely investigated in the Asia-Pacific region. We aimed to estimate the incidence...

Mobilization for HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing Services in Vietnam: Clients’ Risk Behaviors, Attitudes and Willingness to Pay

A multi-site survey was conducted on a sample of 365 clients to assess their willingness to pay for HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) services in Ha Noi and Nam Dinh province, two epicenters of Vietnam. By using contingent valuation technique, the results showed that most of respondents (95.1%) were willing to pay averagely 155 (95% CI 132-177) thousands Vietnam Dong (~US $7.75, 2013) for a VCT service. Clients who were female, had middle income level, and current opioid users were willing to pay less; meanwhile clients who had university level of education were willing to pay more for a VCT service. The results highlighted the high rate of willingness to pay for the service at a high amount by VCT clients. These findings contribute to the implementation of co-payment scheme for VCT services toward the financial sustainability of HIV/AIDS programs in Vietnam.

Chemokine co-receptor usage in HIV-1-infected treatment-naïve voluntary counselling and testing clients in Southern Taiwan

ObjectiveThe goal of this present study was to determine the proportion of CCR5-tropic and CXCR4-tropic viruses and impact of tropism test on clinical presentation, CD4 cell counts, viral load and...

Incidence of recent HCV infection among persons seeking voluntary counselling and testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Taiwan

IntroductionThe incidence of recent hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) infection has been noted to be increasing among men who have sex with men (MSM), especially those with HIV infection, in several resource-rich settings. In Taiwan, the incidence of recent HCV infection increased from 0 in 1994–2000, 2.29 in 2001–2005 to 10.13 per 1000 person-years of follow-up (PYFU) in 2006–2010. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence rate of recent HCV infection among those individuals who sought voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service at a University Hospital.MethodsBetween May 2006 and December 2013, 18,246 tests for HIV antibody were performed among 12,143 individuals at the VCT services. A total of 2157 clients without HIV or HCV infection at baseline were included for estimation of incidence rate of recent HCV infection. Antibodies to HCV were determined with a third-generation enzyme immunoassay. A nested case-control study with four matched controls without HCV seroconversion for one HCV seroconverter was conducted to investigate the factors associated with recent HCV infection. Phylogenetic analysis was performed among the HCV strains obtained from VCT clients and patients coinfected with HIV and HCV between 2006 and 2013.ResultsDuring the study period, 2157 clients received a total of 8260 tests. The HCV seroprevalence at baseline was 0.3%. Of the 2150 HCV-negative clients who contributed 5074.99 PYFU, 17 developed HCV seroconversion (incidence rate, 3.35 per 1000 PYFU; 95% CI, 1.76–4.94); the rate increased from 2.28 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 0.05–4.51) in 2006–2009, to 3.33 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 0.86–5.80) in 2010–2011, to 4.94 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 0.99–8.99) in 2012–2013. In case-control study, HCV seroconverters were more likely to have HIV-infected partners, recent syphilis and a Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) titre of 4 or greater. In multivariate analysis, having HIV-infected partners remained as the only independent associated factors with HCV seroconversion (AOR, 6.931; 95% CI, 1.064–45.163). Phylogenetic analysis revealed transmission pairs and clusters, with most clustered sequences derived from MSM.ConclusionsSimilar to the observation among HIV-infected patients who are not IDUs, increasing trends of recent HCV infection also occur among the individuals who sought VCT services in Taiwan. Having HIV-infected partners is independently associated with recent HCV seroconversion.

Prevalence of HIV Infection among VCT Users and Assessment of Socio-Demographic Factors Affecting the Follow-Up Status of Clients on ART in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Prevalence of HIV Infection among VCT Users and Assessment of Socio-Demographic Factors Affecting the Follow-Up Status of Clients on ART in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), for HIV infection, allows individuals to determine their HIV status and serves as a gateway for both HIV prevention and early access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) for sero-positive clients. However, very little is known about these profiles and HIV prevalence of VCT clients in Gondar town. A cross-sectional study design was carried out by collecting retrospective data from VCT clients’ records inprivate and government health centers (July 2005-July 2009) and ART charts (July 2004-July 2007), from government health institutions, to assess the prevalence of HIV infection among VCT users and assess socio-demographic factors affecting the follow-up status of ART clients in Gondar Town.

HIV/AIDS awareness among VCT clients: a cross-sectional study from Delhi, India.

The contribution of India to the global burden of HIV/AIDS is significant. A major barrier that the country has faced in its battle against this disease is the inadequate and inaccurate information about it among the population. The present analysis explores the knowledge about HIV/AIDS among clients attending a voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) facility in India. Two hundred clients attending the VCT facility were assessed in this regard using a structured predesigned questionnaire. Sixty-three (31.5%) of the respondents had never heard of HIV/AIDS. In comparison to males, a significantly higher number of females had not heard about the disease (P < 0.01). Lower levels of education of participants were found to be significantly associated with the response of not having heard of HIV/AIDS (P < 0.01) as was an occupation status of being an unemployed man/housewife (P = 0.002). For the 137 (68.5%) respondents who had heard about HIV/AIDS, television was the source of information in 130 (94.9%) followed by posters in 93 (67.9%) and newspapers in 88 (64.2%). While the knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention was good, the extent of misconceptions was high (61.8%). Our study highlights the strong need to raise the levels of HIV awareness among Indian population.

Factors associated with willingness to accept oral fluid HIV rapid testing among most-at-risk populations in China.

BackgroundThe availability of oral fluid HIV rapid testing provides an approach that may have the potential to expand HIV testing in China, especially among most-a-risk populations. There are few investigations about the acceptability of oral fluid HIV testing among most-at-risk populations in China.MethodA cross-sectional study with men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW) and voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients was conducted in three cities of Shandong province, China from 2011 to 2012. Data were collected by face-to-face questionnaire.ResultsAbout 71% of participants were willing to accept the oral fluid HIV rapid testing, and home HIV testing was independently associated with acceptability of the new testing method among MSM, FSW and VCT clients (AOR of 4.46, 3.19 and 5.74, respectively). Independent predictors of oral fluid HIV rapid testing acceptability among MSM were having ever taken an oral fluid HIV rapid test (AOR= 15.25), having ever taken an HIV test (AOR= 2.07), and education level (AOR= 1.74). Engagement in HIV-related risk behaviors (AOR= 1.68) was an independent predictor of acceptability for FSW. Having taken an HIV test (AOR= 2.85) was an independent predictor of acceptability for VCT clients. The primary concern about the oral fluid HIV testing was accuracy. The median price they would pay for the testing ranged from 4.8 to 8.1 U.S. dollars.ConclusionHigh acceptability of oral fluid HIV rapid testing was shown among most-at-risk populations. Findings provide support for oral rapid HIV testing as another HIV prevention tool, and provide a backdrop for the implementation of HIV home testing in the near future. Appropriate pricing and increased public education through awareness campaigns that address concerns about the accuracy and safety of the oral fluid HIV rapid testing may help increase acceptability and use among most-at-risk populations in China.

Client-provider interactions in provider-initiated and voluntary HIV counseling and testing services in Uganda

BackgroundProvider-initiated HIV testing and counselling (PITC) is based on information-giving while voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) includes individualised client-centered counseling. It is not known if the provider-client experiences, perceptions and client satisfaction with the information provided differs in the two approaches.MethodsIn 2008, we conducted structured interviews with 627 individuals in Uganda; 301 tested through PITC and 326 through voluntary counselling and testing (VCT). We compared client experiences and perceptions based on the essential elements of consent, confidentiality, counseling, and referral for follow-up care. We conducted multivariate analysis for predictors of reporting information or counselling as sufficient.ResultsIn VCT, 96.6% (282) said they were asked for consent compared to 91.3% (198) in PITC (P = 0.01). About the information provided, 92.0% (286) in VCT found it sufficient compared to 78.7% (221) in PITC (P = <0.01). In VCT 79.9% (246) thought their results were kept confidential compared to 71.7% (200) in PITC (P = 0.02). Eighty percent (64) of HIV infected VCT clients said they were referred for follow-up care versus 87.3% (48) in PITC (p = 0.2). Predictors of perceived adequacy of information in PITC included an opportunity to ask questions (adj.RR 1.76, CI 1.41, 2.18) and expecting the test results received (adj.RR 1.18, CI 1.06, 1.33). For VCT significant factors included being given an opportunity to ask questions (adj.RR 1.62, CI 1.00, 2.60) and 3+ prior times tested, (adj.RR 1.05, CI 1.00, 1.09).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates good practices in the essential elements of HIV testing for both VCT and PITC. However, further quality enhancement is required in both testing approaches in relation to referral to HIV care post-test, client confidence in relation to confidentiality, and providing an opportunity to ask questions to address client-specific information needs.

Socio-demographic profiles and prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) among voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) clients in Finote Selam, Northwest Ethiopia

Voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is an important component of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) prevention and control interventions. The services in Ethiopia are available in government and non-government health facilities. However, very little is known about the profile and HIV prevalence among VCT clients. In fact, any attempt to analyze the epidemiology of HIV in Ethiopia is limited by the lack of sufficient longitudinal, cross-sectional and behavioral data. A retrospective cross-sectional study was employed to determine the socio-demographic profiles and prevalence of HIV among VCT clients. Data were taken from VCT clients’ records in Finote Selam Hospital. The quantitative data were entered using Microsoft excel and analyzed with SPSS 15.0 windows evaluation version. The International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH) and the woreda HIV/AIDS prevention and control offices are the only interventions. The prevalence of HIV among VCT clients decreased gradually from 6.5% in 2008 to 5.7% in 2009 and 4.3% in 2010. A little over half (55.6%) of HIV positive clients were females. The overwhelming majority of clients screened for HIV were males. Prevalence of HIV infection among VCT clients was estimated to 5.4% and varied by socio-demographic characteristics of the clients. Six in ten of the HIV positive clients were never married and nearly three-fourth of HIV positive clients (73.6%) were urban residents. Farmers and domestic workers accounted for more than half (52.5%) of the total HIV positive clients. Higher prevalence rates were observed in the 25 to 34 age groups, the urban residents, never married, farmers and domestic workers. The prevalence of HIV showed a decreasing pattern from 2008 through 2010; but the distribution was shifting from urban to rural areas. Trying to produce single prevalence estimates for the entire country is inadequate for understanding the scale and heterogeneity of the epidemic. HIV/AIDS programs should be more focused geographically and directed to the regions, districts and communities that exhibit higher prevalence rates and at higher risk and more intensive AIDS control efforts are needed. Key words: Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS), voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), Finote Selam, prevalence.

HIV risk profiles differed by gender and experience of men who had sex with men among attendees of anonymous voluntary counseling and testing in Taiwan

Free voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) has been available in Taiwan as a part of HIV surveillance and prevention program since 1999, but related data were seldom reported. We aimed to examine characteristics of individuals who attended anonymous client-initiated VCT service and factors associated with HIV infection. The study population consisted of clients at two large VCT sites located in northern and southern Taiwan in 2004– 2008. Information on socio-demographic factors and potential risk behaviors was obtained by a questionnaire. Of 5671 clients, 65.1% were younger than 30 years; 42.0%, 41.2%, and 16.8% were men who ever had sex with men (MSM), non-MSM males, and women with HIV seropositivity of 8.0%, 1.2%, and 1.5%, respectively. The proportion of clients who confirmed having a prior HIV test was 66.5% in MSM, followed by 43% in non-MSM, and 30.2% in women. Correlates of HIV seropositivity differed between genders: ever engaging in commercial sex, being married or less educated were associated with increased risks among women but not for men. Different independent predictors were revealed among three groups of clients by multivariable analyses: illicit drug use, anal sex behavior, sexual partner(s) with HIV, and one-night stand in MSM; injection drug use and history of sexually transmitted infections in non-MSM; and injection drug use, sexual partner(s) with HIV and trading sex in women. Of all three groups, illicit drug or injection drug use was associated with the highest risks among all independent predictors. In this population of VCT clients in Taiwan, risk profiles of HIV infection differed according to gender and MSM experience, and different prevention strategies are needed to target different risk groups. In women, risk factors related to low social demographic and relationship power deserves attention in planning future prevention efforts.

Maximising the potential of voluntary counselling and testing for HIV: sexually transmitted infections and HIV epidemiology in a population testing for HIV and its implications for practice

ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe the epidemiology of HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among persons who attended voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) service for HIV and to assess...

Surveillance of Transmitted HIV Drug Resistance Using Matched Plasma and Dried Blood Spot Specimens From Voluntary Counseling and Testing Sites in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2007–2008

During 2007-2008, surveillance of transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drug resistance (TDR) was performed following World Health Organization guidance among clients with newly diagnosed HIV infection attending voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) sites in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Moderate (5%-15%) TDR to nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) was observed among VCT clients aged 18-21 years. Follow-up surveillance of TDR in HCMC and other geographic regions of Vietnam is warranted. Data generated will guide the national HIV drug resistance surveillance strategy and support selection of current and future first-line antiretroviral therapy and HIV prevention programs.

Seroepidemiology of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection among HIV-infected patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

The seroprevalence and seroincidence of novel influenza A infection among HIV-infected patients, who were believed to have more severe outcomes than healthy individuals, are rarely investigated in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Our aim was to determine the seroprevalence and seroincidence of novel influenza A infection among HIV-infected patients in Taiwan. Between September and November 2009, before the implementation of a nationwide vaccination for novel influenza A in Taiwan, 931 HIV-infected patients and 566 persons seeking voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) for HIV infection at our university hospital were enrolled in this study. Antibody responses to novel influenza A were determined using a hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) assay. HIV-infected patients had a significantly lower seroprevalence of novel influenza A infection than VCT clients (14.7% vs. 33.9%, p<0.001). The seroincidence of novel influenza A infection among HIV-infected patients was 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.6-11.4). On the multivariate analysis, heterosexual (odds ratio [OR]: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.105-3.227) and baseline HI titer (OR: 1.02; 95% CI: 1.001-1.038) were significantly associated with seroconversion to novel influenza A virus. HIV-infected patients demonstrated a lower seroprevalence of novel influenza A infection than HIV-uninfected patients in Taiwan in the HAART era. Among HIV-infected patients, seroconversion to novel influenza A virus, which was infrequent during the 2009 influenza epidemic, was associated with heterosexual behavior and baseline HI titer.

HIV diagnosis and sexual risk behavior intentions among couple VCT clients in Ethiopia

This research examines whether members of HIV affected couples are more likely to change their abstinence and condom intentions than members of HIV− couples during couple voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). A total of 1260 couple VCT clients in Ethiopia were asked about their sexual risk behavior intentions for the next two months after pre-test and post-test counseling. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine whether the couple's HIV status was associated with changed intentions to abstain or use condoms between pre-test and post-test. Individuals belonging to male HIV+ serodiscordant couples (aRRR = 7.98, p < 0.001), female HIV+ serodiscordant couples (aRRR = 5.85, p < 0.001), and HIV+ concordant couples (aRRR = 3.12, p = 0.05) were more likely to have increased their intentions to abstain or use condoms in the next two months than individuals in HIV− concordant relationships. The couple's HIV status was not associated with decreased intentions to abstain or use condoms in the next two months. Counseling for all HIV affected couples should include practical information on obtaining and using condoms. This includes HIV affected couples who intend to abstain from sex, whether for a short or long period of time, so that they are prepared to have protected sex if their intentions change.