Risk of HIV infection among Dutch expatriates in sub-Saharan Africa
Houweling, H.; Coutinho, R.A.
International Journal of Std and Aids 2(4): 252-257
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 1911956 DOI: 10.1177/095646249100200405Document Number: 317050
In order to study the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections and related risk factors, Dutch expatriates who returned from sub-Saharan Africa were asked to complete a questionnaire on sexual, occupational, and other risk factors, and to donate a sample of blood to test for antibodies against HIV. The 1968 participants were involved in various professions and their families included those over 16 years of age who were posted in sub-Saharan African countries by Dutch governmental, nongovernmental, and commercial organizations for at least 6 months cumulative between January 1, 1979-January 1, 1990. Antibodies against HIV-1 were found among 4 of 1122 men (0.4%) and 1 of 846 women (0.1%). The woman and 3 of the men had had sexual contact with African partners and had been treated for sexually transmitted diseases, 2 of these 3 men also had an African life partner. One man reported occupational exposure only. Of the 1968 participants, 89 men (7.9%) and 18 women (2.1%) lived with an African partner; 344 men (30.7%) and 111 women (13.1%) had heterosexual contact with other African partners. Only 22.3% (men) and 18.6% (women) of casual sexual contacts with African partners were always protected by a condom. 232 of 408 (56.9%) paramedics reported needlesticks. Groups at risk of HIV infection through sexual exposure were identified using logistic regression models. In conclusion, the observed prevalence of HIV-1 is low. However, unprotected sexual contact with African partners and needlestick accidents were common. This study underscores the continuous need for health education of expatriates on the risks of transmission of HIV in Africa.