Sexual Behavior and Perceived HIV Risk Among HIV-Negative Members of Serodiscordant Couples in East Africa.

ABSTRACT

HIV risk perception may influence the use of HIV prevention interventions. Using data from HIV-negative adults enrolled in a study of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral therapy for HIV-serodiscordant couples in Kenya and Uganda, we examined associations between (1) condom use and risk perception and (2) risk perception and PrEP adherence. Two-thirds of HIV-negative partners reported condomless sex with their HIV-positive partner or another partner in the month prior to study enrollment. Compared to those who reported no condomless sex, participants who reported condomless sex during the month prior to study visit had fivefold higher odds of reporting "high risk" vs "no risk" perception (36.3 versus 10.9% aOR 4.9, 95% CI 3.4-6.9). Reporting condomless sex in the most recent sex act was associated with increased odds of perceiving some HIV risk (aOR for high risk = 7.3, 95% CI 4.9-10.8; aOR for moderate risk = 4.8, 95% CI 3.5-6.7; aOR for low risk = 3.5, 95% CI 2.7-4.6). We found no significant association between risk perception and PrEP adherence. Sexual behavior aligned with perceived HIV risk, which can facilitate an HIV-negative individual's decisions about PrEP use.