Characteristics of individuals and couples seeking HIV-1 prevention services in Nairobi, Kenya: The Voluntary HIV-1 Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study

This paper describes the recruitment and baseline characteristics of men, women, and couples who enrolled in the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Efficacy Study at the study site in Nairobi, Kenya. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing (HIV VCT) to reduce sexual risk behavior. Between June 1995 and March 1996, 500 individual men, 500 individual women, and 515 couple members were recruited for a total sample of 1,515 participants. Participants were young (average age 29 years) and of low income. High levels of risk behavior and self- reported STD symptoms and a high rate of HIV seropositivity among those tested at baseline (15% of men and 27% of women) indicate that an at-risk sample was recruited. Women and participants reporting symptoms of a sexually transmitted infected were significantly more likely to be infected with HIV. Findings suggest that HIV VCT services combined with STD diagnosis and treatment and economic development services could motivate more at-risk individuals and couples to receive counseling and testing.