Assessment of risk compensation following use of the dapivirine vaginal ring in southwestern Uganda. (4th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kusemererwa, Sylvia; Abaasa, Andrew; Kabarambi, Anita; Onyango, Martin; Mugisha, Joseph Okello
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 98:issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2021-02-04
• Subjects: HIV -- sexual behaviour -- vaginal microbicides -- women; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: Participation in HIV prevention trials could trigger risk compensation among participants. We evaluated potential risk compensation following use of a vaginal ring microbicide by women in a phase III trial in southwestern Uganda. Methods: We used markers of sexual risk behaviour documented on standardised questionnaires, tested for STIs at baseline and quarterly for 2 years. Risk compensation was defined as a significant increase (trend p<0.05) in the proportion of women reporting risky sexual behaviour or a diagnosed STI between baseline and end of follow-up. Results: Between September 2013 and December 2016, 197 women (active arm: n=132 and placebo: n=65) were enrolled at the Masaka site. There were decreases in all markers of sexual risk behaviour with statistically significant decreases in only the proportion of women reporting ≥2 sexual partners, p=0.026 and those diagnosed with Trichomonas vaginalis p<0.001 and or Neisseria gonorrhoeae p<0.001 Conclusions: No evidence of risk compensation was observed in this trial. Trial registration number: NCT01539226 .