Couple communication, sexual coercion, and HIV risk reduction in Kigali, Rwanda

HIV-negative women with untested or seronegative partners were the least likely to use condoms or to discuss or attempt to negotiate condom use, and HIV-related communication in Rwandan couples.

Abstract

Participation of the male partner is crucial for successful HIV risk reduction in couples. HIV testing and counseling of couples has beneficial long term effects on condom use and HIV-related communication. Couple communication is associated with condom use, but only when the discussion is specific (sexually transmitted disease risks and using condoms). Seronegative women with untested partners are at increased risk for HIV as they are the least likely to discuss or attempt to negotiate condom use.