Researchers launch HIV study

The Human Sciences Research Council launched the South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication survey at the Nelson Mandela Foundation offices in Houghton on 21 January.

The survey is aimed at:

• Collecting data to evaluate the South African National HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted infections (STI) strategic plan
• Collecting data for monitoring HIV indicators required for the preparation of reports to various international bodies
• Estimating HIV prevalence and incidence
• Estimating HIV prevalence in selected districts
• Assessing the relationship between social and behavioural factors, sexual violence, and HIV infection
• Tracking access to different types of HIV health education and/or communication interventions
• Determining the impact of HIV/Aids on mental health
• Evaluating national HIV communication programmes.

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Household members – parents and guardians of children from two to 11 years old, 12 to 14 years old and 15-year-old and upwards – will be quizzed on drug and alcohol use, social norms and values, sexual behaviour, condom access, mental health and media sources for HIV.

Deputy executive director of the HIV/Aids, STI and TB programme, Professor Geoff Setswe, said, “Our field workers are from three different racial backgrounds so as to ensure a level of trust when commencing this survey. We are also communicating with the public so they are aware and to ensure our field workers can access the homes.”

The duration of the fieldwork will be between seven and nine months, and 60 000 participants from 22 000 randomly selected households will be surveyed. Results are expected to come out in December. The previous four surveys were conducted in 2002, 2005, 2008 and 2012.

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