Background: Two methods to estimate HIV incidence were employed. A record-based longitudinal study of persons receiving multiple HIV tests and a cross-sectional seroincidence study using the STAHRS assay, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify infections that occurred in the last six months. Methods: Findings from a longitudinal record-based study and a STARHS seroincidence study of drug users who enrolled in a drug treatment program in New York City between 1994 and 1999 were compared. The seroincidence study included all new clinic admissions during a calendar year. The longitudinal study included only those who voluntarily chose to receive multiple HIV counseling and testing services while in drug treatment. Analyses on the target populations and seroconverters were conducted to assess and compare the contribution of each study in estimating HIV incidence. Results: A total of 5,210 counseling and testing records were reviewed for the longitudinal study, resulting in a cohort of 1,846 individuals and 27 seroconverters. In comparison, 13,770 specimens were tested in the seroincidence study, 62 specimens were identified as new HIV infections. Duplication among seroconverters between the studies was not observed. The two different study methodologies identified seroconverters that varied in characteristics such as sex, age and HIV risk factors. Conclusions: Both studies contributed significantly and independently to identify HIV incidence. The two study samples demonstrated similar characteristics. However, converters differed, suggesting that any single design would likely underestimate the true incidence in this population.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Data Collection
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.