Establishing HIV Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Survey in Burundi
Abstract
Several studies have shown that military populations are notoriously at higher risk for acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases than the general population. The situation is worse in times of conflict, and HIV/AIDS remains a serious threat to population health and economic well being in post-conflict sub-Saharan regions. Violence and rape are believed to fuel the HIV epidemic in countries affected by conflict, and HIV prevalence studies have been carried out to examine the effect of conflict on the incidence of HIV infection. Since the 13-year Burundi civil war between the Hutus and the Tutsis ended in 2006, few resources have been available to examine behavioral risk factors and transmission risk among the key populations within the country. While the HIV prevalence rate among female sex workers is 38% in the country, HIV prevalence is not regularly monitored within the Burundi National Defense Force (Forces de Defense Nationale: FDN), in part due to a lack of national funding. In order to better understand the behavioral risks and HIV prevalence of the Burundi military, Metabiota proposes to work with DHAPP and the military health officials of Burundi to conduct HIV surveillance among 1200 military volunteers across the military regions of Burundi in 2015. The Surveillance and Behavioral Risk Survey (SABERS) is a cross-sectional survey that aims to estimate the prevalence and correlates of HIV and syphilis infection among military members of the BDF. Military personnel who provide informed consent will be administered a behavioral survey, HIV and syphilis rapid serologic testing, pre-and post-test counseling, and referrals for medical services and care. The survey will be administered using a Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI), where a netbook computer will be used to record the information from one-on-one interviews. Given the relatively low literacy rate in Burundi (67% among adults), the CAPI approach will ensure that all participants understand the questions regardless of literacy skill. HIV positive participants will be referred to the BDF HIV/AIDS program for confirmatory testing and follow up care. Participants testing positive for syphilis will be offered free treatment during post-test counseling. The research team will work closely with medical personnel at the military base infirmary to administer treatment for positive participants and a partner on-site and free of charge. Metabiota has been conducting HIV research in Central Africa since 2000 and has developed expertise in HIV prevention and testing, sample collection, laboratory development and management, behavioral interviewing techniques, and clinical and psychosocial support, including pre-and post-test counseling. Metabiota has a long history of HIV prevention and formative research with the most-at risk and vulnerable populations, and the team demonstrates expertise and strong collaboration in HIV research, including High research, including high-risk key populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), and military populations. In collaboration with DHAPP, Metabiota has conducted regular surveillance of HIV and syphilis in the military in eight Central African countries (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Republic of Congo, and Sao Tome and Principe) every 3-4 years, providing baseline and point prevalence and behavioral data for all 8 countries. In 2014, Metabiota and DHAPP conducted SABERS studies including CAPI data collection in the militaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Chad.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 22, 2016
- Source ID
- N002441510068
Entities
People
- Karen Saylors
Organizations
- United States Navy