Increased HIV infection rate among violent deaths: A mortuary study in the Republic of Congo

There is no evidence about an association between violent deaths and HIV in Africa. We report the results of a study performed in Pointe-Noire, Congo, where post-mortem HIV serologies were performed among all deaths referred to the morgue. The HIV prevalence among violent deaths was 37%, significantly higher than 10% among accidental deaths, with an adjusted odds ratio of 6 (P ≤ 0.03). Prevention of domestic violence and fight against stigmatization should be parts of HIV programs in Africa. © 2008 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.