International Journal of STD & AIDS > Volume 19, Number 5 > Pp. 339-341

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Original research articles

HIV-1 incidence among women of reproductive age in Malawi

N I Kumwenda MPH PhD ^*, J Kumwenda MBChB FRCP  , G Kafulafula MBBS FCOG  , B Makanani MBBS FCOG  , F Taulo MBBS FCOG  , C Nkhoma MPH , Q Li MSc ^* and Taha E Taha MBBS PhD ^* 

^* Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine and Obstetrics; Department of Gynecology, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Chichiri; College of Medicine-Johns Hopkins University Research Project, Blantyre, Malawi

Correspondence to: Dr Taha E Taha, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Room E7138, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA Email: ttaha{at}jhsph.edu

The aim of this study was to determine HIV-1 incidence among women of reproductive age in Malawi. A prospective study design was followed. HIV-1 uninfected women were followed up for nine visits during a period of 12 months. At baseline, women received HIV-1 counselling and testing. At each visit, venous blood was collected for HIV-1 testing. Incidence rate for HIV-1 was estimated using person-years of follow up (PYFU). Risk factors for HIV acquisition were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. A total of 842 HIV-1 negative women were enrolled in the study. Of these, 787 had subsequent HIV testing and 31 were found HIV-1 infected; an overall incidence rate of 4.51 (95% confidence interval: 2.96–6.06) per 100 PYFU was obtained. Young age, using hormonal injectable contraceptives and bacterial vaginosis were the main predictors of HIV acquisition. The incidence of HIV continues to be high among women in Malawi, and young women appear to be at higher risk.

Key Words: HIV • incidence rate • sexually transmitted infections • Malawi

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