Demographic, behavioral, and knowledge factors associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 infection among men whose current female partner has genital herpes.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate risk factors for herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection among men whose female partners have genital herpes (GH).


METHODS
Between 1998 and 2001, 717 men in heterosexual monogamous relationships, without a history of GH, completed a cross-sectional questionnaire on demographic, behavioral, and knowledge factors for GH. Their female partners were symptomatic and HSV-2-seropositive. Risk factors for HSV-2 seropositivity were assessed using logistic regression.


RESULTS
On laboratory confirmation, 25% of the men were HSV-2-seropositive. Factors significantly (P<0.01) associated with HSV-2 infection included: never using condoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-2.95), prior sexually transmitted disease (STD) (aOR, 1.80; CI, 1.27-2.58), vaginal intercourse during symptomatic episodes (aOR, 1.77; CI, 1.19-2.62), longer partnership (for each additional year aOR, 1.07; CI, 1.03-1.09), and lower knowledge of GH (aOR, 1.14; CI, 1.05-1.23).


CONCLUSIONS
Potentially modifiable risk factors for HSV-2 infection included engaging in vaginal sex during symptomatic episodes, never using condoms, and lower knowledge of GH.
Rana
Rashida K
RK
Worldwide Epidemiology, GlaxoSmithKline Research and Development, Greenford, U.K.
Pimenta
Jeanne M
JM
Rosenberg
Daniel M
DM
Tyring
Stephen K
SK
Paavonen
Jorma
J
Cook
Suzanne F
SF
Robinson
Noah J
NJ
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006558:Herpes Genitalis / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018258:Herpesvirus 2, Human; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013020:South America / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology