Aids survey in Paarl region
2008-12-11
FIELD workers from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) are currently in the Paarl area busy with a survey to accurately determine the levels and rate of HIV infection in South Africa. This is the third South African National HIV, Behaviour and Health Survey currently being conducted across South Africa. Participation in the survey is voluntary and all participants remain completely anonymous. The survey involves asking participants to be pricked on a fingertip or heel (in the case of babies), using a small pin known as a lancet, which yields a few drops of blood for testing purposes. Those aged 12 years and older also answer age-appropriate questions about their health and sexual behaviour. The survey will assist policy makers in ongoing planning to combat the disease and support the various health care services, says Shandir Ramlagan, a senior researcher for the HSRC. The survey is nearing the finish line now, with results expected to be released early next year. The study was launched in late May, and is the third in a series of similar studies conducted first in 2002 and again in 2005. The survey has been well received so far, according to field workers who have started their work nationwide. “There is a positive feeling in the field as people want to participate. Respondents are friendly and make field workers feel welcome. “That said, it is essential for all participants to both answer a questionnaire and provide a blood sample, taken through a painless pinprick,” she says. In order to ensure that the study is reflective of South African demographics, households were randomly selected in pinpointed enumerated areas. These areas were established by Statistics South Africa and replicate the areas used for the national census. So far a total of about 50 enumerated areas (EAs) have been visited across South Africa. “This survey is a key instrument in understanding the reach of HIV in our country,” says Dr Olive Shisana, CEO if the HSRC. “If we cannot reliably ascertain the extent of the disease in the country, we cannot plan accordingly. We need reliable figures so that a host of health and social interventions in response to HIV in the public, private and NGO sectors can be targeted and implemented accurately.” The point is not to provide participants with their results, but rather to gain a clearer understanding of the reach of HIV in South Africa and people’s responses to the epidemic.
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