HIV/AIDS: Research and Palliative Care (Feb 2021)
Rate of HIV Seroconversion Among Seronegative Male Partners Living with HIV Positive Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Abstract
Kerebih Bantigen,1 Leul Kitaw,1 Haweni Negeri,1 Mekonen Kebede,1 Addisu Wassie,2 Keralem Bishaw,3 Getaye Tesema4 1Nursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; 2Midwifery, Welayita Sodo University, Welayita Sodo, Ethiopia; 3Midwifery, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia; 4Midwifery, Debreberhan University, Debreberhan, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Kerebih BantigenNursing and Midwifery, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, EthiopiaTel +251 991134859Email [email protected]: This study aimed to assess rate of HIV seroconversion and predictors among seronegative male partners living with HIV-positive women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019.Methods: Institutional-based retrospective cohort was used to conduct the study. All eligible 227 sample medical records were used for the study. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate seroconversion time. Cox proportional-hazard regression was used to identify predictor variables.Results: In this study, 227 seronegative male partners living with HIV-positive women were followed for 60 months retrospectively and 38 (16.7%) seroconversion was observed. The overall seroconversion rate was 6.4 (95%CI: 4.64– 8.76) per 100 person-year observation. Time of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation, CD4 level, condom use, and having history of pregnancy after being diagnosed as discordant were identified significant predictors of seroconversion.Conclusion: The risk of HIV transmission from seropositive partner to seronegative partner in a discordant couple is poorly controlled. Seronegative partners in discordant a couple can be seropositive at any time with influence of predictors unless proper protective measures, counseling, and follow-up are given emphasis.Keywords: HIV, discordant couple, seroconversion rate, Ethiopia
