The ACS on HIV infection and AIDS started shortly after the first cases of AIDS were diagnosed in the Netherlands. Since 1984, men who have sex with men (MSM) have been included in a prospective cohort study. A second cohort of drug users (DU) was initiated in 1985. The original aim of the ACS was to investigate the natural course, the development and development of HIV-1 infection, to map the prevalence, incidence and risk factors for HIV and AIDS, and the development and evaluation of interventions.
In recent years, the focus has broadened to the epidemiology and natural course of other blood and sexually transmitted infections among ACS participants. Participants complete a standardized questionnaire every 6 months that collects information regarding demographics, medical history, sexual behavior and drug use, underlying cognitions, knowledge, depression, etc. In addition, HIV-positive participants and in the past also HIV-negative drug users undergo a medical examination and blood is drawn for diagnostic tests and storage. The nature of the research is multidisciplinary and is mainly carried out at the GGD Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC, location AMC.
You can find more information on the ACS cohort website (in Dutch).
APH contact persons: Amy Matser, Maria Prins, Maarten Schim van der Loeff
Contact: info-homocohort@ggd.amsterdam.nl