The demographic profile of sero-discordant couples enrolled in clinical research in Rwanda and Zambia

Abstract

This paper examines the demographic profile of two cohorts of sero-discordant couples enrolled in research activities at two clinical research sites in Kigali, Rwanda and Lusaka, Zambia and compares their background characteristics by country, gender and sero-status. Differences between the two cohorts represent economic and cultural differences between the two countries. Recruitment procedures appear to be successful in reaching the intended audience—couples from poor urban communities—and we suggest that similar recruitment strategies could be adopted to reach other population groups in other settings. The profiles of sero-discordant couples highlight several potential intervention points, and call for attention to be focused towards prevention efforts aimed at young women and their male partners.

Acknowledgements

This study has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the US National Institutes of Health, under grants RO1 HD 40125, RO1 MH 66767, RO1 AI 40951, U2 GPS 000758, the Fogarty AIDS International Training and Research Program (AITRP) FIC 2D43 TW001042, the Social & Behavioral Core of the Emory Center for AIDS Research (CFAR) P30 AI050409, and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). Appreciated is expressed to the staff and study participants of the Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group.