Heterosexual transmission of HIV analysed by generalized estimating equations.
A longitudinal analysis of a partner study is compared with a cross-sectional analysis which identify behavioural and biological risk factors for heterosexual transmission of HIV. Using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) a random effects logistic model is used for the longitudinal analysis. These approaches are illustrated by the Edinburgh heterosexual partner study. The longitudinal analysis finds that 'high-risk' sexual practices, unprotected intercourse for HIV and a low CD4 count in the index case significantly increase the risk of HIV transmission. The cross-sectional analysis, however, only indicates 'high-risk' sexual practices as favourable for HIV transmission.
Fielding
K L
KL
MRC-BIAS, Centre for HIV Research, Edinburgh, U.K.
Brettle
R P
RP
Gore
S M
SM
O'Brien
F
F
Wyld
R
R
Robertson
J R
JR
Weightman
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012606:Scotland; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners