Sexual Risk Behavior During HIV Prevention Trials

A common concern when introducing new prevention strategies is that people will trust in them so much that they stop using highly effective older strategies. In the present study, investigators assessed changes in sexual behavior among women in Ghana who were participating in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial designed to test the safety and efficacy of a daily dose of oral tenofovir to prevent HIV acquisition. Male condoms, risk-reduction counseling, and HIV testing were provided throughout the trial.

Most of the study participants were sex workers. At baseline, they reported an average of 15 partners in the previous month and estimated using condoms about 93% of the time. During the 1-year study period, reported rates of …