Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Apr 27, 2022
Date Accepted: Sep 29, 2022
National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS): Key data source for populations at high risk for HIV
ABSTRACT
Background:
The National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) is a comprehensive system for bio-behavioral surveillance conducted in rotating, annual cycles since 2003 in three populations with high burden of HIV: men who have sex with men (MSM); persons who inject drugs (PWID); and heterosexually active persons at increased risk for HIV infection (HET).
Objective:
This manuscript provides an overview of NHBS.
Methods:
Venue-based, time-space sampling was used for MSM. Respondent-driven sampling was used for PWID and HET. A standardized, anonymous questionnaire collected information on HIV-related risk behaviors, HIV testing, and use of prevention services. In each cycle, approximately 500 eligible persons from each participating area were interviewed and offered anonymous HIV testing.
Results:
From 2017 to 2019, over 10,000 (10,760 – 12,284) persons were interviewed each cycle in 23 cities. Of those, most (92-99%) agreed to an HIV testing. Several cities also conducted STI or Hepatitis C testing.
Conclusions:
NHBS is critical for monitoring the impact of the Ending the HIV Epidemic in the United States initiative.
Citation
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Copyright
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