Importance of relationship context in HIV transmission: Results from a qualitative case-control study in Rakai, Uganda

J.A. Higgins, S. Mathur, E. Eckel, L. Kelly, N. Nakyanjo, R. Sekamwa, J. Namatovu, W. Ddaaki, R. Nakubulwa, S. Namakula, F. Nalugoda and J.S. Santelli

American Journal of Public Health, 2014, vol. 104, issue 4, 612-620

Abstract: We present results from life history interviews with 60 young adults from southernUganda.Using a novel qualitative case-control design, we compared newly HIV-positive cases with HIV-negative controls matched on age, gender, marital status, and place of residence. Relationship context was the most salient theme differentiating cases fromcontrols. Comparedwith HIV-negative respondents, recent seroconverters described relationships marked by poorer communication, greater suspicion and mistrust, and larger and more transitory sexual networks. Results highlight the importance of dyadic approaches to HIV and possibly of couple-based interventions. Using HIV-matched pairs allowed additional understanding of the factors influencing transmission. This hybrid methodological approach holds promise for future studies of sexual health.

Keywords: adolescent; article; case control study; disease transmission; female; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human relation; interpersonal communication; interview; male; psychological aspect; qualitative research; risk factor; serodiagnosis; sexuality; trust; Uganda; young adult, Adolescent; Case-Control Studies; Communication; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seronegativity; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Interviews as Topic; Male; Qualitative Research; Risk Factors; Sexual Partners; Trust; Uganda; Young Adult (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2014
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2013.301670_8

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301670

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