Characteristics of individuals and couples seeking HIV-1 prevention services in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: The Voluntary HIV-1 Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study

The objective of this paper is to describe the baseline characteristics, risk behavior, and HIV prevalence of individuals and couples who enrolled in the Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study at the study site in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Participants were recruited through flyers, radio, and outreach to schools and workplaces to participate in a randomized clinical trial testing the effectiveness of HIV voluntary counseling and testing (HIV VCT) for prevention of new HIV and STD infections. Recruitment was stratified to include men and women enrolling alone and as couples. Baseline data were collected in face-to-face interviews, then participants were randomized to receive HIV VCT or health information. A total of 1,427 participants were recruited, 708 women and 719 men; 444 participants enrolled as part of a couple. HIV seroprevalence for those who received VCT at baseline was 21% overall (12% men, 30% women). Those enrolled as couples reported less sexual risk behavior than those enrolled as individuals. Both couples and individuals reported high rates of unprotected sexual intercourse with commercial partners. Overall 45% of participants self-reported an STD symptom (54% of women and 36% of men), and men were more likely to have received treatment for their symptoms. A large number of individuals and couples responded to advertisements for VCT in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. High rates of HIV seroprevalence and couple serodiscordance, self-reported STD symptoms, and sexual risk behavior indicate that at-risk participants were recruited. Implications for delivery of HIV VCT and related services are discussed.