Research Update
One of the most important aspects of AHRF seminar days is the opportunity
to exchange information about new and ongoing research. Below are the
studies announced at the 4th AHRF Seminar Day
Key Focus
MAYISHA 2
Feasibility and acceptability of community based prevalence survey of HIV among black Africans in the UK
Background: In 1999, a social venue behavioural survey in London, the MAYISHA study, took place which demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of administering short, validated behavioural questionnaires. MAYISHA provided the largest and most co mprehensive behavioural data available on Africans to date and its results have been widely used.
Aim: MAYISHA - 2 aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of undertaking unlinked anonymous HIV antibody testing using salivary assays as part of a community based survey of sexual attitudes and lifestyles among black African communities in Britain.
Methods: The cross-sectional study will build upon
the participatory model developed in MAYISHA - 1 in order to survey 1,500
Africans recruited from a variety of social venues across from London,
Birmingham and Luton. The questionnaire will be almost identical to the
1999 study to allow comparisons over time.
All respondents will also be asked to provide an oral fluid sample for
anonymous testing for HIV unlinked from all personal identifiers. The
survey will be followed up with a qualitative study among forty of the
survey participants.
Outputs: Data generated will be used to assess the degree to which HIV health promotion and prevention interventions have impacted upon levels of high-risk sexual behaviours and sexual health service utilisation since 1999.
The HIV prevalence estimates will enable better national estimation of the burden of HIV among African communities.
The qualitative interviews will provide a greater understanding of many of the social, economic and psychological contexts surrounding sexual health among African populations in Britain.
For futher information contact:
Christine McGarrigle, Behavioural Surveillance, HIV & STI Division Health Communicable Disease Surveillance CentreProtection Agency. 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EG
Tel: 020 8200 6868 ext. 8582 / 4696
Email: christine.mcgarrigle@hpa.org.uk
Mike Kesby from the University of St Andrews announced a qualitative study entitled “HIV related sexual behaviours among African migrants in London: A participatory research design and pilot project”. The study aims to investigate whether attitudes, behaviours & contexts that commonly expose Africans in Africa to high-risk of HIV infection endure after migration to the UK. Dr Kesby wishes to receive input in terms of issues that need investigating from forum members before referring the study to the MRC for funding.
Winnie Ssanyu-Sseruma will be writing a report for Partners in Evaluation, which will evaluate a condom distribution scheme pioneered by African Culture Promotions. She will also be evaluating a scheme run by Blackliners, which encouraged African men to undergo HIV testing. The evaluations will be available in July
Mark Bitel of Partners in E valuation announced an evaluation report for the African HIV Policy Network which will be completed by April next year. The report will assess AHPN’s role in the National HIV Prevention Framework.
Glen Williams from Oxford Development Partnership
will be collecting and cataloguing HIV information pertaining to Africans
on behalf of the African HIV Policy Network