Research | Open Access | Volume 9 (3): Article 156 | Published: 29 Sep 2026
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| Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals and their partners, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Participants | |
| Respondents n (%) | Spouses n (%) | |
| Age (years) | ||
| <30 | 69 (15.4) | 41 (9.1) |
| 30–40 | 192 (42.8) | 134 (29.8) |
| 40–50 | 115 (25.6) | 173 (38.5) |
| 50–60 | 58 (12.9) | 76 (16.9) |
| ≥60 | 15 (3.3) | 25 (5.6) |
| Gender | ||
| Female | 335 (74.6) | 114 (25.4) |
| Male | 114 (25.4) | 335 (74.6) |
| Place of residence | ||
| Rural | 202 (45.0) | 202 (45.0) |
| Urban | 247 (55.0) | 247 (55.0) |
| Type of relationship | ||
| Monogamy | 349 (77.7) | 349 (77.7) |
| Polygamy | 100 (22.3) | 100 (22.3) |
| Occupation | ||
| Merchant | 135 (30.1) | 73 (16.3) |
| Laborer | 164 (36.5) | 199 (44.3) |
| Housewife | 62 (13.8) | 35 (7.8) |
| Civil servant | 35 (7.8) | 75 (16.7) |
| Farmer | 31 (6.9) | 28 (6.2) |
| Unemployed/Retired | 12 (2.7) | 34 (7.6) |
| Student | 10 (2.2) | 5 (1.1) |
| Level of education | ||
| None | 35 (7.8) | 30 (6.7) |
| Elementary | 168 (37.4) | 125 (27.8) |
| Secondary | 195 (43.4) | 191 (42.5) |
| Higher education | 51 (11.4) | 103 (22.9) |
| Religion | ||
| Christian | 320 (71.3) | 316 (70.4) |
| Traditional | 85 (18.9) | 84 (18.7) |
| Muslim | 44 (9.8) | 47 (10.5) |
| Other* | 0 (0.0) | 2 (0.4) |
| *Other religions: Mahikari | ||
Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals and their partners, Togo (n = 449)
| Table 2: History and clinical and therapeutic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Sample size (n) | Percentage (%) |
| HIV type | ||
| HIV-1 | 445 | 99.1 |
| HIV-2 | 4 | 0.9 |
| Viral Hepatitis | ||
| Type B | ||
| Positive | 30 | 6.7 |
| Negative | 419 | 93.3 |
| Type C | ||
| Positive | 22 | 4.9 |
| Negative | 427 | 95.1 |
| Type B & C | ||
| Positive | 8 | 1.8 |
| Negative | 441 | 98.2 |
| Other diseases | ||
| Tuberculosis | 138 | 30.7 |
| Disseminated candidiasis | 131 | 29.2 |
| Kaposi | 39 | 8.7 |
| Cryptococcosis | 37 | 8.2 |
| Pneumocystosis | 24 | 5.3 |
| Syphilis | 22 | 4.9 |
| Cerebral toxoplasmosis | 5 | 1.1 |
| CMV retinitis | 2 | 0.4 |
| Cachexia/MAC | 1 | 0.2 |
| Duration of infection (months) | ||
| ≤11 | 23 | 5.1 |
| 12–59 | 131 | 29.2 |
| 60–119 | 228 | 50.7 |
| ≥120 | 67 | 14.9 |
| Circumstances of HIV diagnosis | ||
| Opportunistic infection | 213 | 47.4 |
| PMTCT | 147 | 32.7 |
| Volunteer | 89 | 19.8 |
| Clinical stage (WHO) | ||
| Stage 1 | 259 | 57.7 |
| Stage 2 | 92 | 20.5 |
| Stages 3 & 4 | 98 | 21.8 |
| Combination therapy | ||
| TDF + 3TC + DTG | 363 | 80.8 |
| TDF + 3TC + EFV | 69 | 15.3 |
| Other | 17 | 3.7 |
| Couple-centered therapeutic education | ||
| Yes | 0 | 0.0 |
| No | 449 | 100.0 |
| ART adherence | ||
| Good | 410 | 91.3 |
| Poor | 39 | 8.7 |
| Last viral load | ||
| Detectable | 46 | 10.2 |
| Undetectable | 403 | 89.8 |
Table 2: History and clinical and therapeutic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals, Togo (n = 449)
| Table 3: Marital and social characteristics of serodiscordant couples, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) |
| Number of children in the couple | ||
| 0 | 54 | 12.0 |
| 1-2 | 213 | 47.4 |
| 3-5 | 153 | 34.1 |
| ≥6 | 29 | 6.5 |
| Number of children after discovering the serodiscrepancy | ||
| 0 | 143 | 31.8 |
| 1-2 | 268 | 59.7 |
| 3-5 | 32 | 7.1 |
| ≥6 | 6 | 1.3 |
| Serological status of children born after the discovery of serodiscrepancy* | ||
| Positive | 0 | 0.0 |
| Negative | 571 | 100 |
| Duration of marriage (years) | ||
| ≤5 | 191 | 42.5 |
| 6–10 | 138 | 30.7 |
| 11–15 | 61 | 13.6 |
| >15 | 59 | 13.1 |
| Strengthening the marital bond | ||
| Yes | 299 | 66.6 |
| No | 150 | 33.4 |
| Separation of spouses | ||
| Yes | 97 | 21.6 |
| No | 352 | 78.4 |
| Maternity project abandoned | ||
| Yes | 54 | 12.1 |
| No | 395 | 87.9 |
| Stigmatization by spouse | ||
| Yes | 19 | 4.2 |
| No | 430 | 95.8 |
| Sexual satisfaction within the couple | ||
| Yes | 112 | 24.9 |
| No | 337 | 75.1 |
| *for this variable, n = 571 (number of children born after the discovery of serodiscordance) | ||
Table 3: Marital and social characteristics of serodiscordant couples, Togo (n = 449)
| Table 4: Knowledge and practices regarding HIV prevention among HIV-positive individuals, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) |
| Mode of transmission | ||
| Sexual | ||
| Yes | 449 | 100.0 |
| No | 0 | 0.0 |
| Intravenous | ||
| Yes | 339 | 75.5 |
| No | 110 | 24.5 |
| Mother-to-Child transmission | ||
| Yes | 151 | 33.6 |
| No | 298 | 66.4 |
| Prevention methods | ||
| Condom | ||
| Yes | 449 | 100.0 |
| No | 0 | 0.0 |
| Abstinence | ||
| Yes | 121 | 26.9 |
| No | 328 | 73.1 |
| Good loyalty | ||
| Yes | 193 | 43.0 |
| No | 256 | 57 |
| PMTCT | ||
| Yes | 154 | 34.3 |
| No | 295 | 65.7 |
| TARV | ||
| Yes | 107 | 23.8 |
| No | 342 | 76.2 |
| PrEP | ||
| Yes | 17 | 3.8 |
| No | 432 | 96.2 |
| Discovered HIV-positive status before entering a relationship | ||
| Yes | 195 | 43.4 |
| No | 254 | 56.6 |
| Engaging in extramarital sex | ||
| Yes | 246 | 54.8 |
| No | 203 | 45.2 |
| Condom use during extramarital sex* | ||
| Yes | 0 | 0.0 |
| No | 246 | 100.0 |
| Condom use within the couple | ||
| Always | 0 | 0.0 |
| Sometimes | 345 | 76.9 |
| Never | 104 | 23.1 |
| Type of sexual intercourse practiced | ||
| Vaginal intercourse only | 445 | 99.1 |
| Vaginal + oral sex | 4 | 0.9 |
| Vaginal + anal intercourse | 0 | 0.0 |
| Disclosure of HIV status to extramarital partner | ||
| Yes | 0 | 0.0 |
| No | 449 | 100.0 |
| *For this variable, n = 246 (number of respondents engaging in extramarital sex) | ||
Table 4: Knowledge and practices regarding HIV prevention among HIV-positive individuals, Togo (n = 449)
Yawovi Djakpa1,&, Yolaine Glele Ahanhanzo1, Charles Sossa-Jerome1, Ghislain Sopoh1
1Regional Institute of Public Health, Comlan Alfred Quenum, Ouidah, Benin
&Corresponding author: Yawovi Djakpa, Regional Institute of Public Health, Comlan Alfred Quenum, Ouidah, Benin; Email: yadjakpa@gmail.com ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1112-9296
Received: 11 May 2026, Accepted: 10 Sep 2026, Published: 29 Sep 2026
Domain: Infectioius Disease Epidemiology
Keywords: HIV, serodiscordant couple, prevalence, Togo
©Yawovi Djakpa et al. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health (ISSN: 2664-2824). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution International 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Cite this article: Yawovi Djakpa et al. Prevalence and characteristics of HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples in three health facilities in southern Togo, 2025. Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health. 2026; 9(3):156. https://doi.org/10.37432/jieph-d-26-00148
Introduction: Serodiscordant couples account for a substantial proportion of new HIV infections globally, and preventing HIV transmission within these couples remains an important public health priority. In Togo, the burden and characteristics of documented HIV-serodiscordant couples receiving care are not well described. This study described the prevalence and characteristics of documented HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples who had disclosed their serodiscordant status among HIV-positive individuals receiving care at three health facilities in southern Togo in 2025.
Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between June and August 2025 among 449 HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral therapy and their HIV-negative partners. Data collected via a questionnaire were analyzed using R software version 4.4.2.
Results: Of a cohort of 2,537 HIV-positive individuals living in a relationship, 449 were in serodiscordant couples, representing 17.7%. The mean age of HIV-positive individuals was 38.9 ± 9.6 years, with a female preponderance (74.6%). Among HIV-positive individuals, 30 (6.7%) and 22 (4.9%) had HIV-hepatitis B and HIV-hepatitis C co-infections, respectively, and 8 (1.8%) had a triple infection with HIV and viral hepatitis B and C. Although 100% of HIV-positive individuals were aware of condoms as a means of prevention, none used them consistently during sexual intercourse with their partner. The same was true for those engaging in extramarital sexual activity.
Conclusion: The prevalence of documented serodiscordant heterosexual couples who have disclosed their serodiscordant status among HIV-positive individuals living in a relationship, followed at three health facilities in southern Togo, is high. Despite a good understanding of condoms as a means of prevention, their sexual practices could contribute to sustaining the chain of transmission. We recommend the development and implementation of effective counselling programs focused on serodiscordant couples, as well as a revision of the recommendation regarding the consistent use of condoms.
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major global public health concern and is transmitted through sexual contact, blood exposure, and mother-to-child transmission [1]. Sexual transmission remains the predominant route of HIV transmission. In 2024, an estimated 36.9 million people were living with HIV globally, and approximately 1.3 million new infections occurred [2]. Women account for more than half of people living with HIV globally [2].
Among the persistent challenges, preventing sexual transmission within serodiscordant couples is a priority, as these couples account for more than 50% of new infections worldwide [3]. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite a decline in prevalence in the general population, it remains high among serodiscordant couples, ranging from 3% to 20% depending on the country. As a result, these couples serve as a source sustaining the epidemic [4]. Furthermore, a significant proportion of people living with HIV in this region are in long-term serodiscordant relationships, making this dynamic particularly concerning [5]. Sexual transmission remains strongly influenced by complex sociocultural contexts, including polygamy, gender inequalities, and taboos surrounding sexuality.
In Togo, although significant efforts have been made to reduce HIV incidence, inappropriate behaviours among serodiscordant couples pose a major challenge to strategies aimed at preventing transmission. The prevalence of serodiscordant couples in this country, as well as the factors associated with them, remains poorly understood, limiting the effectiveness of interventions. It is nevertheless recognised that the current context of the HIV epidemic in Togo requires, among other things, a refined response targeting the most vulnerable groups to limit new infections [6]. This study was conducted to describe the prevalence and profile of documented serodiscordant heterosexual couples who disclosed their serodiscordant status among HIV-positive individuals living in a relationship, followed at three health facilities in southern Togo in 2025. A better understanding of these characteristics will enable the adaptation of prevention strategies and the improvement of care for this specific population.
Study setting and population
This study was conducted in the Grand Lomé and Maritime health regions of Togo. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study with data collection taking place from June1to August 30, 2025. The study population consisted of HIV-positive individuals and their partners living in serodiscordant couples where the HIV-positive status was known to the HIV-negative partner. These HIV-positive individuals were on antiretroviral therapy and were being treated at one of three (3) health centres (Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital, Espoir Vie Togo Health Centre, Kouvé Sisters of Providence Hospital).
Subjects meeting the following criteria were selected to participate in this study: women or men aged 18 years and older; HIV-positive; whose partner’s HIV-negative status is known to healthcare services; currently in or having been in a stable relationship; receiving care at one of the three health centres (Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital, Espoir Vie Togo Health Center, Sisters of Providence Hospital in Kouvé); having given informed consent to the study.
A census was conducted of all HIV-positive individuals in the active patient population who were living in a serodiscordant couple and had disclosed their serodiscordant status to their HIV-negative partner. In cases of polygamy, one of the couples (consisting of the polygamous subject and one of their spouses) was selected at random and included in the data collection.
Variables
The outcome variable serodiscordance within HIV-positive couples is defined as a couple (regardless of marital status) in which one partner is HIV-positive and the other is not. This status had to be known to the care providers (confirmation of the partner’s test result, disclosure of serostatus to the HIV-negative partner).
The explanatory variables were grouped as follows:
Sociodemographic characteristics of the respondent and their partner: age, sex, occupation, type of relationship, duration of the relationship, educational level, religion, neighbourhood where the couple lives;
Respondent’s medical history and clinical and treatment characteristics: HIV subtype, viral hepatitis, other diseases, duration of infection, circumstances of HIV diagnosis, WHO clinical stage, treatment regimen, couple-centred therapeutic education, ART adherence, most recent viral load;
Marital and social characteristics of the couple: number of children in the couple, number of children after discovery of serodiscordance, duration of the relationship, strengthening of the marital bond, separation of spouses, abandonment of plans for motherhood, stigmatization by the spouse, sexual satisfaction within the couple;
Knowledge about HIV and prevention methods: modes of transmission, prevention methods;
Risky sexual behaviours: discovery of HIV status before entering the relationship, engagement in extramarital sex, condom use during extramarital sex, condom use within the couple, type of sexual intercourse practised, disclosure of HIV status to the extramarital partner.
Data collection and analysis
Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire focused on sociodemographic factors, medical history, behaviours, and aspects related to HIV transmission. Clinical and treatment data for HIV-positive individuals, as well as data regarding the characteristics of their partners, were collected from patient records. Data regarding adherence to antiretroviral therapy were collected from patient records, with “good adherence” defined as taking at least 95% of prescribed doses over the past 3 months. The collected data were analyzed using R software version 4.4.2. Quantitative variables were expressed as means with standard deviations, and qualitative variables as proportions.
Ethical consideration
This study was approved by the Bioethics Committee for Health Research (CBRS) of Togo (No. 0017/2025/CBRS dated March 27, 2025). Authorisation for data collection was obtained from the Togolese Ministry of Health. The anonymity and confidentiality of the collected data were in accordance with the ethical principles applicable to medical research on human subjects contained in the World Medical Association’s Declaration of Helsinki. Furthermore, investigators referred respondents to appropriate counselling and care services when risky behaviours were detected, in accordance with the ethical procedures of the protocol.
Sample description and prevalence of serodiscordant heterosexual couples
Of 2,537 HIV-positive individuals aged 18 years or older who were living with a partner across the three health facilities, 449 were documented as being in HIV-serodiscordant heterosexual couples and had disclosed their serodiscordant status to their HIV-negative partner, giving a prevalence of 17.7% within this clinic-based population. The prevalence was 17.8% at Espoir Vie Togo Health Center, 16.7% at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital, and 18.7% at the Sisters of Providence Hospital in Kouvé.
Socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals and their respective partners
HIV-positive individuals had a mean age of 38.9 ± 9.6 years, ranging from 19 to 72 years. The 30–39 age group was the most represented, accounting for 42.8%. Of the 449 HIV-positive individuals living in serodiscordant couples, 335 were female (74.6%), and 114 were male (25.4%), resulting in a female: male ratio of 2.93. More than three-quarters of the HIV-positive individuals surveyed were in monogamous relationships, compared to 22.3% in polygamous relationships. Manual labourers and merchants were the most common occupations, at 36.5% and 30.1%, respectively. Christianity was the most common religion, at 71.3%. The majority of HIV-positive individuals resided in urban areas (55%). Secondary and primary education levels were the most common, at 43.4% and 37.4%, respectively. Only 11.4% of HIV-positive individuals had attained a higher education level (Table I).
HIV-negative spouses had a mean age of 41.9 ± 9.5 years, ranging from a minimum of 22 to a maximum of 82 years. The 40–49 age group was the most common, accounting for 38.5%. Manual labourers were the most common occupational group, at 44.3%. Spouses had secondary (42.5%), primary (27.8%), and higher (22.9%) levels of education. Christianity was the most common religion among spouses, at 70.4% (Table I).
Clinical and therapeutic history and characteristics of HIV-positive individuals
Of the 449 HIV-positive individuals aged 18 years or older who were living with a partner across the three health facilities, 445 were infected with HIV-1 (99.1%) and 4 with HIV-2 (0.9%). Hepatitis B serology was performed on all HIV-positive individuals, and 30 (6.7%) had an HIV–hepatitis B coinfection. As for hepatitis C, testing was performed on all HIV-positive individuals, and 22 (4.9%) had an HIV–hepatitis C co-infection. Among the HIV-positive individuals, 8 (1.8%) had a triple infection with HIV and both hepatitis B and C. One-third of these individuals, 138 (30.7%), had a history of HIV–tuberculosis coinfection. More than half of HIV-positive individuals, 228 (50.7%), had been infected for 6 to 10 years (Table 2).
Half of the HIV-positive individuals, 213 (47.4%), were diagnosed following an opportunistic infection, compared to only 89 (19.8%) in whom HIV was discovered incidentally following voluntary testing. One-third of HIV-positive individuals (147, or 32.7%) were diagnosed during PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV). The clinical condition was good in more than half of HIV-positive individuals, 259 (57.7%), classified as WHO clinical stage 1. More than one in five HIV-positive individuals, 98 (21.8%), were classified as WHO clinical stage 3 or 4. More than four out of five HIV-positive individuals, 363 (80.8%), were on the TDF+3TC+DTG regimen, compared to only 69 individuals (15.3%) who were on TDF+3TC+EFV. Most HIV-positive individuals, 410 (91.3%), had good treatment adherence. No HIV-positive individual had received joint therapeutic education sessions with their spouse. The majority of HIV-positive individuals, 403 (89.8%), had an undetectable viral load (Table 2).
Marital and social characteristics of serodiscordant couples
The median number of children per couple was 2 [IQR:1-3]. Just under half of HIV-positive individuals (213, or 47.4%) had one or two children, and more than one-third (153, or 34.1%) had between 3 and 5 children. Only 54 HIV-positive individuals (12%) had no children. The median number of children these individuals had after discovering their serodiscordance was 1 [IQR: 0-2]. More than half of the HIV-positive individuals (268, 59.7%) had one or two. However, 54 (12.1%) had abandoned their plans to have children. Thus, approximately one-third of HIV-positive individuals—143 (31.8%)—had not had any more children after discovering the serodiscrepancy. All children born after the discovery of the serodiscordance were HIV-negative.
The median duration of the relationships was 7 [IQR: 3-11] years. Serodiscordance had strengthened the marital bond in two-thirds of HIV-positive individuals (299, 66.6%), while more than three in four (337, 75.1%) reported sexual dissatisfaction within the couple and 19 (4.2%) experienced stigmatizations from their partner (Table 3).
Knowledge and HIV Prevention Practices Among HIV-Positive Individuals
All HIV-positive individuals (449; 100%) were aware that sexual transmission is a route of HIV infection. However, only one-third of them (151, 33.6%) had information about mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The most well-known prevention method among them was condoms (449, or 100%), followed by monogamy (193, 43%) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (154, 34.3%). Only 17 (3.8%) were aware of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a means of HIV prevention.
More than half (254, 56.6%) of HIV-positive individuals were diagnosed after entering into a relationship. The majority (246, 54.8%) engaged in extramarital sex and did not use condoms (100%). Similarly, no HIV-positive person consistently used condoms during sexual intercourse with their partner. Three-quarters (345, 76.9%) occasionally used condoms during sexual intercourse with their partner. Almost all of them (445, 99.1%) engaged exclusively in vaginal intercourse. No HIV-positive individual had disclosed their HIV status to their extramarital partner (Table 4).
The average age of our study population is similar to that reported by Yaya et al. in Sokodé, Togo, in 2016 (37.3 ± 9.3 years) [7]. The 30–39 age group, which was the most represented, is similar to that reported by Djossou et al. in Parakou, Benin, in 2025 (38.13%) [8]. Regarding HIV-negative spouses, the average age was 41.9 ± 9.5 years in our study, and the 40–49 age group was the most represented (38.5%), lower than that reported by Reed et al. (37.3% in the 45–54 age group) [9]. Thus, it appears that HIV-negative spouses are adults and therefore sexually active. They should therefore be specifically taken into account in HIV prevention strategies, especially since most of them often engage in extramarital sexual relations [10].
In our study, women accounted for the majority of infected individuals, as was the case in the study by Guira et al. conducted in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, in 2013 (71.48%) [10] and in the study by Yaya et al. (75%) [7]. Among HIV-positive individuals, 11.4% had a higher education level, compared to 7.8% who had none. As for HIV-negative spouses, 22.9% had a higher level of education and only 6.7% had none. These results show that HIV-negative spouses are generally more educated than HIV-positive spouses within the couple; this reinforces the hypothesis that a higher level of education reduces the risk of HIV transmission. These findings are consistent with those of Billong et al. in Yaoundé (Cameroon) in 2018 and by Guira et al. Indeed, these authors found an HIV prevalence among students of 0.8% and 0.7% in Cameroon and Burkina Faso, respectively. These prevalence rates were low compared to the national rates in these countries or to those observed in other population groups of the same generation but with lower levels of education [11, 12].
In our study, all HIV-positive individuals (100%) disclosed their HIV status to their partner, which led to good treatment adherence (91.3%). Similarly, all children born after the discovery of serodiscordance tested negative for HIV. This situation could be explained by the fact that the HIV-positive partner has the freedom to take their ARV treatment without fear, without hiding, and even in the presence of their HIV-negative partner. These results are similar to those of Akani et al. in Niger (90.8%) [13].
The occurrence of births following the discovery of serodiscordance indicates that serodiscordant couples engage in vaginal intercourse without consistently using condoms. This situation demonstrates that couples are not following healthcare providers’ recommendations regarding the consistent use of condoms during sexual intercourse [14]. We had previously reported this finding in an earlier study, in which the lack of consistent condom use reported by HIV-positive individuals was attributed to psycho-emotional barriers, discomfort, religious prohibitions, and the desire to have children [10]. As a result, it is evident that the recommendation for consistent condom use, as promoted by current prevention programs, is not being followed by HIV-positive individuals due to these barriers and warrants revision.
Similarly, the practice of extramarital sex without condom use observed among the majority of HIV-positive individuals indicates that they are unaware of the consequences regarding the spread of HIV infection, nor of the risks of contracting other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with such behaviors, reflecting a shortcoming in the counseling program. However, several studies have shown that effective counseling of sexual partners contributes to the prevention of sexual transmission of HIV, as well as other STIs, by encouraging the adoption of safe sexual behaviors [3, 15].
Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly effective in preventing sexual transmission of HIV when used as recommended. Evidence also supports that people living with HIV who maintain sustained viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy do not sexually transmit HIV[16, 17]. Programs should therefore place greater emphasis on PrEP awareness, adherence support, viral load monitoring, STI prevention, and couple-centred counselling for serodiscordant couples.
Limitations
This study has several limitations. First, data from all HIV-negative partners in polygamous relationships could not be collected, which limits interpretation of relational dynamics in these unions. Second, the study included only documented serodiscordant couples in which disclosure had occurred, so couples without disclosure or without partner testing may have been excluded; this may have led to selection bias and may underestimate or overestimate the true prevalence of serodiscordance in the wider population of couples receiving HIV care. Third, behavioural variables such as condom use and extramarital sex were self-reported and may be affected by social desirability bias. Finally, because the study was cross-sectional, causal relationships between the variables studied cannot be established.
The prevalence of documented serodiscordant heterosexual couples who have disclosed their serodiscordant status among HIV-positive individuals living in a relationship, followed at three health facilities in southern Togo, is high. Despite good knowledge of condoms as a means of prevention, their sexual practices could constitute a source of sustaining the chain of transmission. To reduce new HIV infections, it is imperative to develop strategies targeting serodiscordant couples, such as PrEP, and to provide adequate therapeutic education to maintain an undetectable viral load in the HIV-positive partner. We recommend the development and implementation of effective counselling programs focused on serodiscordant couples, as well as a revision of the recommendation regarding the consistent use of condoms.
What is already known about the topic
What this study adds
Conceptualization: Yawovi Djakpa
Data curation: Yawovi Djakpa
Formal analysis: Yawovi Djakpa, Ghislain Sopoh
Methodology: Yawovi Djakpa, Ghislain Sopoh
Supervision: Yolaine Glele Ahanhanzo, Charles Sossa-Jerome
Writing – original draft: Yawovi Djakpa
Writing – review & editing: Yawovi Djakpa, Ghislain Sopoh, Charles Sossa-Jerome
| Table 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals and their partners, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Participants | |
| Respondents n (%) | Spouses n (%) | |
| Age (years) | ||
| <30 | 69 (15.4) | 41 (9.1) |
| 30–40 | 192 (42.8) | 134 (29.8) |
| 40–50 | 115 (25.6) | 173 (38.5) |
| 50–60 | 58 (12.9) | 76 (16.9) |
| ≥60 | 15 (3.3) | 25 (5.6) |
| Gender | ||
| Female | 335 (74.6) | 114 (25.4) |
| Male | 114 (25.4) | 335 (74.6) |
| Place of residence | ||
| Rural | 202 (45.0) | 202 (45.0) |
| Urban | 247 (55.0) | 247 (55.0) |
| Type of relationship | ||
| Monogamy | 349 (77.7) | 349 (77.7) |
| Polygamy | 100 (22.3) | 100 (22.3) |
| Occupation | ||
| Merchant | 135 (30.1) | 73 (16.3) |
| Laborer | 164 (36.5) | 199 (44.3) |
| Housewife | 62 (13.8) | 35 (7.8) |
| Civil servant | 35 (7.8) | 75 (16.7) |
| Farmer | 31 (6.9) | 28 (6.2) |
| Unemployed/Retired | 12 (2.7) | 34 (7.6) |
| Student | 10 (2.2) | 5 (1.1) |
| Level of education | ||
| None | 35 (7.8) | 30 (6.7) |
| Elementary | 168 (37.4) | 125 (27.8) |
| Secondary | 195 (43.4) | 191 (42.5) |
| Higher education | 51 (11.4) | 103 (22.9) |
| Religion | ||
| Christian | 320 (71.3) | 316 (70.4) |
| Traditional | 85 (18.9) | 84 (18.7) |
| Muslim | 44 (9.8) | 47 (10.5) |
| Other* | 0 (0.0) | 2 (0.4) |
| *Other religions: Mahikari | ||
| Table 2: History and clinical and therapeutic characteristics of HIV-positive individuals, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Sample size (n) | Percentage (%) |
| HIV type | ||
| HIV-1 | 445 | 99.1 |
| HIV-2 | 4 | 0.9 |
| Viral Hepatitis | ||
| Type B | ||
| Positive | 30 | 6.7 |
| Negative | 419 | 93.3 |
| Type C | ||
| Positive | 22 | 4.9 |
| Negative | 427 | 95.1 |
| Type B & C | ||
| Positive | 8 | 1.8 |
| Negative | 441 | 98.2 |
| Other diseases | ||
| Tuberculosis | 138 | 30.7 |
| Disseminated candidiasis | 131 | 29.2 |
| Kaposi | 39 | 8.7 |
| Cryptococcosis | 37 | 8.2 |
| Pneumocystosis | 24 | 5.3 |
| Syphilis | 22 | 4.9 |
| Cerebral toxoplasmosis | 5 | 1.1 |
| CMV retinitis | 2 | 0.4 |
| Cachexia/MAC | 1 | 0.2 |
| Duration of infection (months) | ||
| ≤11 | 23 | 5.1 |
| 12–59 | 131 | 29.2 |
| 60–119 | 228 | 50.7 |
| ≥120 | 67 | 14.9 |
| Circumstances of HIV diagnosis | ||
| Opportunistic infection | 213 | 47.4 |
| PMTCT | 147 | 32.7 |
| Volunteer | 89 | 19.8 |
| Clinical stage (WHO) | ||
| Stage 1 | 259 | 57.7 |
| Stage 2 | 92 | 20.5 |
| Stages 3 & 4 | 98 | 21.8 |
| Combination therapy | ||
| TDF + 3TC + DTG | 363 | 80.8 |
| TDF + 3TC + EFV | 69 | 15.3 |
| Other | 17 | 3.7 |
| Couple-centered therapeutic education | ||
| Yes | 0 | 0.0 |
| No | 449 | 100.0 |
| ART adherence | ||
| Good | 410 | 91.3 |
| Poor | 39 | 8.7 |
| Last viral load | ||
| Detectable | 46 | 10.2 |
| Undetectable | 403 | 89.8 |
| Table 3: Marital and social characteristics of serodiscordant couples, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) |
| Number of children in the couple | ||
| 0 | 54 | 12.0 |
| 1-2 | 213 | 47.4 |
| 3-5 | 153 | 34.1 |
| ≥6 | 29 | 6.5 |
| Number of children after discovering the serodiscrepancy | ||
| 0 | 143 | 31.8 |
| 1-2 | 268 | 59.7 |
| 3-5 | 32 | 7.1 |
| ≥6 | 6 | 1.3 |
| Serological status of children born after the discovery of serodiscrepancy* | ||
| Positive | 0 | 0.0 |
| Negative | 571 | 100 |
| Duration of marriage (years) | ||
| ≤5 | 191 | 42.5 |
| 6–10 | 138 | 30.7 |
| 11–15 | 61 | 13.6 |
| >15 | 59 | 13.1 |
| Strengthening the marital bond | ||
| Yes | 299 | 66.6 |
| No | 150 | 33.4 |
| Separation of spouses | ||
| Yes | 97 | 21.6 |
| No | 352 | 78.4 |
| Maternity project abandoned | ||
| Yes | 54 | 12.1 |
| No | 395 | 87.9 |
| Stigmatization by spouse | ||
| Yes | 19 | 4.2 |
| No | 430 | 95.8 |
| Sexual satisfaction within the couple | ||
| Yes | 112 | 24.9 |
| No | 337 | 75.1 |
| *for this variable, n = 571 (number of children born after the discovery of serodiscordance) | ||
| Table 4: Knowledge and practices regarding HIV prevention among HIV-positive individuals, Togo (n = 449) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Variable | Frequency (n) | Percentage (%) |
| Mode of transmission | ||
| Sexual | ||
| Yes | 449 | 100.0 |
| No | 0 | 0.0 |
| Intravenous | ||
| Yes | 339 | 75.5 |
| No | 110 | 24.5 |
| Mother-to-Child transmission | ||
| Yes | 151 | 33.6 |
| No | 298 | 66.4 |
| Prevention methods | ||
| Condom | ||
| Yes | 449 | 100.0 |
| No | 0 | 0.0 |
| Abstinence | ||
| Yes | 121 | 26.9 |
| No | 328 | 73.1 |
| Good loyalty | ||
| Yes | 193 | 43.0 |
| No | 256 | 57 |
| PMTCT | ||
| Yes | 154 | 34.3 |
| No | 295 | 65.7 |
| TARV | ||
| Yes | 107 | 23.8 |
| No | 342 | 76.2 |
| PrEP | ||
| Yes | 17 | 3.8 |
| No | 432 | 96.2 |
| Discovered HIV-positive status before entering a relationship | ||
| Yes | 195 | 43.4 |
| No | 254 | 56.6 |
| Engaging in extramarital sex | ||
| Yes | 246 | 54.8 |
| No | 203 | 45.2 |
| Condom use during extramarital sex* | ||
| Yes | 0 | 0.0 |
| No | 246 | 100.0 |
| Condom use within the couple | ||
| Always | 0 | 0.0 |
| Sometimes | 345 | 76.9 |
| Never | 104 | 23.1 |
| Type of sexual intercourse practiced | ||
| Vaginal intercourse only | 445 | 99.1 |
| Vaginal + oral sex | 4 | 0.9 |
| Vaginal + anal intercourse | 0 | 0.0 |
| Disclosure of HIV status to extramarital partner | ||
| Yes | 0 | 0.0 |
| No | 449 | 100.0 |
| *For this variable, n = 246 (number of respondents engaging in extramarital sex) | ||