Endpoints and other measures in the NIMH Multisite HIV Prevention Trial: rationale and psychometric properties

Abstract

The ultimate purpose of HIV prevention efforts is to interrupt future transmission of HIV infection. HIV is transmitted when infected blood, semen, or possibly other bodily fluids from one person is introduced into the bloodstream (directly or via the mucosa) of another person. This can happen in a relatively limited number of ways, most commonly through insertive sexual activity (e.g., and vaginal or oral intercourse), use of contaminated syringes or needles, or perinatally from infected mothers to their children during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding.