[Prevalence and incidence of HIV-1 infection among employees of a large textile business and their wives in Kinshasa, 1991-1996].

Background: The Democratic Republic of Congo has been experiencing a critical economic situation for several years, resulting in a favorable context for the spread of HIV-infection. A study was performed in a large textile factory in Kinshasa, to determine prevalence and incidence of HIV-infection among employees and their wives.

Methods: From February to November 1996, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 2010 employees (1859 males, 151 females) of the factory and their 1198 female partners.

Fertility rates in 238 HIV-1-seropositive women in Zaire followed for 3 years post-partum.

Birth-control use and fertility rates were prospectively determined in 238 HIV-1-seropositive and 315 HIV-1-seronegative women in Kinshasa, Zaire, during the 36-month period following the delivery of their last live-born child. No women delivered children during the first follow-up year. Birth-control utilization rates (percentage use during total observation time) and fertility rates (annual number of live births per 1000 women of child-bearing age) in the second year of follow-up were 19% (107.