Heterosexual HIV Transmission Study (HATS). Prospective Cohort Study

PRIMARY: To identify factors associated with risk of HIV infection through heterosexual activity among urban, inner-city women. SECONDARY: To identify correlates of high-risk behaviors in order to provide a basis for future intervention studies.

At baseline and at 6-month intervals, participants are interviewed about their sexual behavior, drug and alcohol-related behaviors, and recent medical history, and are given a psychosocial assessment. They also undergo a physical exam, including pelvic exam and colposcopy, and have blood and urine specimens collected for HIV testing, drug screening, and STD evaluation. Additionally, participants are given pre- and post-test counseling and education, including information about social services. They are provided with basic gynecological care and either treatment or referral for medical problems.

Participants must meet the following criteria: HIV-negative, sexually active women living in social and sexual proximity to men at high risk for acquiring HIV infection. Able to speak English, Spanish, or Creole. Living in the geographic area surrounding Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, New York. (Hospital-based and community-based recruitment sites will be utilized.) Personal history of parenteral drug use by self-report or urine test. Heterosexual contact with men at high risk for HIV infection.

Skurnick J, Bromberg J, Cordell J, Foley M, Wang W, Louria D. Change in couples' sexual activity after knowledge of HIV discordance: a report from the heterosexual HIV transmission study (HATS). Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24;8(2):C273 (abstract no PoC 4170)

Skurnick J, Bromberg J, Grijalva K, Cordell J, Louria D, Monto A, Weiss S. Behavior changes in heterosexual couples discordant for HIV: a report from the heterosexual HIV transmission study (HATS). Int Conf AIDS. 1991 Jun 16-21;7(2):319 (abstract no WC3094)

Padian N, Bromberg J, O'Brien T, Vranizan K, Cordell J, Louria D, Van-Devanter N, Landesman S. Smoking and bleeding from trauma during sex: risks for heterosexual transmission of HIV. The HATS/CDC Research Group. Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11;9(2):648 (abstract no PO-C02-2588)

Wan J, Bromberg J, Cornell RG, Skurnick J, Cordell J, Vermund S. Generalized additive models for paired covariates in an HIV discordant couples study: a report from The Heterosexual HIV Transmission Study (HATS). Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24;8(3):193 (abstract no PuC 8243)

Bromberg J, Wan J, Cornell RG, Grijalva K, Cordell J, Kelly P, Landesman S. Entry criteria bias in studies of high-risk individuals: a report from the heterosexual HIV transmission study (HATS). Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24;8(2):C371 (abstract no PoC 4773)

Bromberg J, Maher J, Wang W, Grijalva K, Cordell J. Within couple disagreement on condom use: a report from the heterosexual HIV transmission study (HATS/CDC). Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11;9(2):774 (abstract no PO-C33-3345)

Sogolow ED, Des Jarlais D, Landesman SH, Kelly P, Sampson-Lee G, Cordell J, Cornell R. The experience of participating in a cohort study of HIV transmission: a report from The Heterosexual HIV Transmission Study (HATS). Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24;8(3):189 (abstract no PuC 8216)

Cornell RG, Bromberg J, Grijalva K, Kelly P, Cordell J. Effects of changing recruitment patterns on risk factor estimates: a report from the heterosexual HIV transmission study (HATS). Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24;8(2):C324 (abstract no PoC 4477)

Strug D, Des Jarlais D, Sogolow E, Handte J, Bromberg J, Cornell R, Cordell J, Landesman S. Types of sexual partner relationships and condom use among women in Brooklyn: a report from the heterosexual HIV transmission study (HATS). Int Conf AIDS. 1991 Jun 16-21;7(2):324 (abstract no WC3112)