South African National HIV Prevalence, HIV Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey (SABSSM) 2008: Combined Version 2 - All provinces

Abstract

In the combined data set five individual data sets were combined, guardians for both infants younger than 2 years and children 2 to 11 years, children 12 to 14 years, youths and adults 15 years and older.

The data set contains information on: biographical data, media, communication and norms, knowledge and perceptions of HIV/AIDS, male circumcision, sexual debut, partners and partner characteristics, condoms, vulnerability, HIV testing, alcohol and substance use, general perceptions about government, health and violence in the community.

The data set contains 810 variables and 23369 cases.

Subsequent to the dissemination of version 1 of this data set it was discovered that the data of the following variables were missing: rq240a - rq240f. This was corrected and additionally two variables without descriptions were removed from the data set. A new data set is disseminated as version 2.

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 third in a series of household surveys conducted by Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), that allow for tracking of HIV and associated determinants over time using a slightly same methodology used in 2002 and 2005 survey, making it the third national-level repeat survey. The 2002 and 2005 surveys included individuals aged 2+ years living in South Africa while 2008 survey included individuals of all ages living in South Africa, including infants younger than 2 years of age. The interval of three years since 2002 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 the prevalence of HIV infection in South Africa; examine the incidence of HIV infection in South Africa; assess the relationship between behavioural factors and HIV infection in South Africa; describe trends in HIV prevalence, HIV incidence, and risk behaviour in South Africa over the period 2002-2008; investigate the link between social, values, and cultural determinants and HIV infection in South Africa; assess the type and frequency of exposure to major national behavioural change communication programmes and assess their relationship to HIV prevention, AIDS treatment, care, and support; describe male circumcision practices in South Africa and assess its acceptability as a method of HIV prevention; collect data on the health conditions of South Africans; and contribute to the analysis of the impact of HIV/AIDS on society.

In the 13440 valid households or visiting points, 10856 agreed to participate in the survey, 23369 individuals (no more than 4 per household, including infants under 2 years) were eligible to be interviewed, and 20826 individuals completed the interview. Of the 23369 eligible individuals, 15031 agreed to provide a blood specimen for HIV testing and were anonymously linked to the behavioural questionnaires. the household response rate was 80.8%, the individual response rate was 89.1% and the overall response rate for HIV testing was 64.3%.