A Population Based Survey on HIV Prevalence in Nagaland, India

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of HIV infection in Nagaland and to study knowledge and attitude of study participants towards HIV/AIDS and related Government programs. A population based survey was carried out during April-October, 2007. Stratifi ed sampling technique was adopted with an anonymous, linked design for HIV testing using Dried Blood Spot Testing Method (Tri-Dot). A total of 1965 households were interviewed in which 5661 eligible respondents (male:15-54 years and female:15-49 years) completed the interview. The total individual response rate was 95.2%. Blood samples were collected from 5637 respondents. Results revealed that the prevalence of HIV was estimated to be 0.74% in Nagaland. Dimapur was identifi ed as the only district where HIV prevalence was higher than 1%. Wokha (0.98%) and Tuensang (0.92%) also had higher prevalence compared to other districts. Knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods and the services available under National HIV/AIDS program was low. Further steps therefore need to be taken to ensure higher utilization of services.

Keywords : Population based survey; HIV prevalence; Nagaland

DOI: 10.3126/saarctb.v6i1.3058

SAARC J. Tuber. Lung Dis. HIV/AIDS 2009 VI (1) 1-11