HIV is frequently transmitted in the context of partners in a committed relationship, thus couples-focused HIV prevention
interventions are a potentially promising modality for reducing infection. We conducted a systematic review of studies testing
whether couples-focused behavioral prevention interventions reduce HIV transmission and risk behavior. We included studies
using randomized controlled trial designs, quasi-randomized controlled trials, and nonrandomized controlled studies. We searched
five electronic databases and screened 7,628 records. Six studies enrolling 1,084 index couples met inclusion criteria and
were included in this review. Results across studies consistently indicated that couples-focused programs reduced unprotected
sexual intercourse and increased condom use compared with control groups. However, studies were heterogeneous in population,
type of intervention, comparison groups, and outcomes measures, and so meta-analysis to calculate pooled effects was inappropriate.
Although couples-focused approaches to HIV prevention appear initially promising, additional research is necessary to build
a stronger theoretical and methodological basis for couples-focused HIV prevention, and future interventions must pay closer
attention to same-sex couples, adolescents, and young people in relationships.
Keywords HIV - Prevention - Couples - Relationships - Systematic review