14th International AIDS Conference Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. E11473)

Minichiello AS, Olivares A, Bertozzi SM
National Institute of Public Health, Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico

ISSUES: Existing surveillance systems rarely track risk behaviors that can provide warning signs and are often targeted to the general population where infection levels can be relatively low 1. Behavioral surveillance addresses this by providing prevalences of risk behaviors. This abstract discusses lessons learned during the field-testing of a behavioral surveillance methodology in Mexico.

DESCRIPTION: A behavioral surveillance methodology was developed and field-tested in three Mexican states. Evaluation sessions were then carried out to collect information on the methodology's utility and feasibility.

ISSUES: Political commitment at all levels has been addressed in other studies yet was also important in Mexico. Because the information collected is used in planning, program coordinators should be involved in the design, application, and evaluation of the behavioral surveillance system. All participants mentioned the data's utility for planning and advocacy. In practice, less rigorous methods must sometimes be adopted. A 95% confidence level was desired and probability proportional to size (PPS) was used. However, sample sizes had to be modified based on the population sizes found during mapping and PPS was found to be difficult to use with mobile populations that do not gather in large numbers. Interviewers who are familiar with the terrain and dialects of the area are important. Interviewers with little to no experience were locally recruited and trained. All work was carried out successfully and participants agreed that the work had been an enriching experience.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This project will serve to help shape behavioral surveillance in Mexico. Continued work is needed to assure that interest remains and resources become available. 1 References: UNAIDS/WHO. 2000. Guidelines for Second Generation HIV Surveillance.

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