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02 September 2022

Using video and multilingual communication to ensure participation in the SABSSMVI survey

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

by Kim Trollip, HSRC Science Communicator

The Human and Social Capabilities division of the HSRC is responsible for the 6th HIV & Health Survey-SABSSMVI.

There are 2 parts to the SABSSM VI study. The first is a questionnaire on the health behaviour of the participant and the second is the collection of a blood sample to test for HIV and Covid-19 antibodies. In order to ensure maximum participation in all provinces and to reassure participants of their anonymity and that the data will be secured, the SABSSMVI communications team is using a number of reliable and evidence-based science communication techniques. These include the use of social media, video and multilingual communication to explain the process and encourage participation.

The HSRC is working together with partners in the planning and implementation of the 6th national household survey funded by the the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Cooperative Agreement #GH001629).

The survey is the sixth in a series of population-based, cross-sectional household survey conducted in South Africa designed to assess the level of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and related health indicators. This multi-stage cluster survey of up to 85 000 randomly selected households in South Africa will provide representative data for some of the 52 districts.  About 39 000 study participants will be sampled from 15,000 households identified in the national sampling frame as described in the previous surveys. Additional sampling of households will be conducted to produce data that is representative at the finally sampled districts. SABSSM VI will provide information on HIV incidence, prevalence, antiretroviral treatment exposure, viral load suppression, HIV drug resistance, risk behaviours and communication in a household-based, nationally-representative sample of the population of South Africa and will describe uptake of key HIV care and treatment services.

Please note that all public enquiries should be addressed to:  SABSSMVI@hsrc.ac.za

Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)

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