2002 · 467 citations · 0 references
Public HealthCommunity HealthHealth SciencesHealth CommunicationHealth Services ResearchHiv PreventionCommunity-based PreventionDisease ControlHiv EpidemiologyHiv SurveillanceHiv Behavioral EpidemiologyHiv Risk ReductionInformation Needs AnalysisInformation Needs AssessmentMass Media Effects
In South Africa, AIDS deaths have risen to hundreds of thousands, disproportionately affecting the poor, making the first nationwide community‑based HIV prevalence survey essential for addressing this burden. The survey shows HIV prevalence varies by race, gender, age, and location, demonstrates a positive link between communication and risk reduction, and provides representative data to model and optimize prevention, care, treatment, and support programs. The study data are publicly available from the HSRC HIV/AIDS survey.
In the last decade in South Africa the number of deaths from AIDS each year has risen to hundreds of thousands. The burden of care and loss falls hardest upon the poor making the development challenges of our nation difficult and costly. In this context the pioneering study presented in this report – the first systematically sampled nationwide community-based survey of the prevalence of HIV in South Africa – assumes great importance. Its findings open three windows of opportunity for concerted interventions in South Africa. Firstly we now have information for different race gender and age groups in urban and rural areas thus allowing programme planners to develop targeted interventions. Secondly we have a clearer understanding of the positive relationship between communication and risk reduction as well as of information needs. Thirdly because the findings are representative they will enable reliable modelling for the first time giving a solid basis for optimising and extending programmes of prevention care treatment and support. (excerpt)