South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey (SABSSM) 2005: Child data - All provinces

Description:
This data set contains information on children aged 12 - 14 years; biographical data; media, communication and norms; knowledge and perceptions of HIV/AIDS; home environment; care and protection; sexual debut; condoms; attitudes and knowledge towards sexual roles; health; and violence in the community.

The data set contains 394 variables and 1617 cases.
Abstract:
South Africa continues to have the largest number of people living with HIV/AIDS in the world. This study intends to understand the determinants that lead South Africans to be vulnerable and susceptible to HIV. This is the second in a series of household surveys conducted by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), that allow for tracking of HIV and associated determinants over time using the same methodology used in the 2002 survey, thus making it the first national-level repeat survey. The interval of three years allows for an exploration of shifts over time against a complex of demographic and other variables, as well as allowing for investigation of the new areas. The survey provides the first nationally representative HIV incidence estimates.

The study key objectives were to: Determine HIV prevalence and incidence as well as viral load in the population; Gather data to inform modelling of the epidemic; Identify risky behaviours that predispose the South African population to HIV infection; examine social, behavioural and cultural determinants of HIV; explore the reach of HIV/AIDS communication and the relationship of communication to response; assess the relationship between mental health and HIV/AIDS and establish a baseline; assess public perceptions of South Africans with respect to the provision of anti-retroviral (ARV) therapy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission and for treating people living with HIV/AIDS; understand public perceptions regarding aspects of HIV vaccines; and investigate the extent of the use of hormonal contraception and its relationship to HIV infection. In the 10 584 valid visiting points that agreed to participate in the survey, 24 236 individuals were eligible for interviews and 23 275 completed the interview.

Of the 24 236 individuals, 15 851 agreed to HIV testing and were anonymously linked to the behavioural interviews. The household response rate was 84.1 % and the overall response rate for HIV testing was 55 %.