South African HIV/AIDS, Behavioural Risks, Sero-status, and Mass Media Impact Survey (SABSSM) 2002: Adult and youth data - All provinces

Description:
The adult and youth data of the SABSSM 2002 study cover information from adults and youths 15 years and older on topics ranging from biographical information, media and communication, male circumcision, marital status and marriage practice, partner and partner characteristics, sexual behaviour and practices, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), sexual orientation, interpersonal communication, practices around widowhood, knowledge and perceptions of HIV and AIDS, stigma, hospitalisation and health status.

The data set consists of 643 variables and 9788 cases.
Abstract:
Background: This is the first in a series of national HIV household surveys conducted in South Africa. The survey was commissioned by the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The key aims were to determine the HIV prevalence in the general population, identify risk factors that increase vulnerability of South Africans to HIV infections, to identify the contexts within which sexual behaviour occurs and the obstacles to risk reduction and to determine the level of exposure of all sectors of society to current prevention. The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund requested the HSRC to assess the impact of current HIV and AIDS education and awareness programmes designed to slow down the epidemic, including infection rates, stigma, care and support for affected individuals and families.

Methodology: Sampling methods: multi-stage cluster stratified sample stratified by province, settlement geography (geotype) and predominant race group in each area. A systematic sample of 15 households was drawn from each of 1 000 census enumeration areas (EAs). In each household, one person was randomly selected in each of four mutually exclusive age groups (2-11 years; 12-14 years; 15-24 years; 25+ years). Field workers administered questionnaires to selected respondents and also collected oral fluid specimens for HIV testing.

Results: This study sampled a cross-section of 9 963 South Africans aged two years and older. HIV is a generalised epidemic in South Africa that extends to all age groups, geographic areas and race groups.

It showed 11.4 % were HIV positive, 15.6 per cent of them aged between 15 and 49. Women (12.8% HIV positive) were more at risk of infection than men (9.5% HIV positive). Urban informal settlements have the highest incidence of HIV infection (21.3%). Free State showed the highest prevalence (14.9%) with Eastern Cape having the lowest (6.6%). Higher rates of infection (5.6%) are also found in children aged 2-14 and Africans (10.2%). Awareness of HIV status was low. Only 18.9% reported that they were previously tested. Fewer women (3.9%) reported more than one sexual partner as compared to men (13.5%). Condom use at last sex was low among both women (24.7%) and men (30.3%).

Knowledge of HIV and AIDS is generally high, with sexual behaviour changes taking root in encouragingly low numbers of sexual partners and high levels of abstinence among the youth. There is still great uncertainty of the relationship between HIV and AIDS and popular myths. South Africans from all walks of life are at risk. In particular, wealthy Africans have the same levels of risk as poorer Africans - whereas in other race groups, poorer people are more vulnerable to infection.

Conclusions: The study recommended the expansion of voluntary counselling and testing. Prevention programmes ought to focus on reduction on multiple partners and increased condom use. It further recommended, inter alia, that HIV/AIDS prevention programmes be intensified for people living in informal settlements, campaigns be implemented using mass media to address myths and misconceptions and that information needs in rural communities and poorer households due to lack of access to mass media channels, should be attended to.