AIDS Indicator Survey 2004-2005, HIV/AIDS Sero-Behavioural Survey (UHSBS)
Uganda, 2004 - 2005
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Feb 14, 2018
Last modified
Feb 14, 2018
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Identification
Survey ID Number
UGA-UBoS-AIS-2004-V01
Title
AIDS Indicator Survey 2004-2005, HIV/AIDS Sero-Behavioural Survey (UHSBS)
Subtitle
HIV/AIDS Sero-Behavioural Survey (UHSBS)
Country
| Name | Country code |
|---|---|
| Uganda | UGA |
Study type
Demographic and Health Survey [hh/dhs]
Abstract
The UHSBS is a nationally representative, population-based survey designed to obtain national and sub-national data on the prevalence of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and their social and demographic variations in the country. The survey also obtained information on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour regarding HIV/AIDS. Data collection took place from 14 August 2004 until late January 2005.
The overall goal of the survey was to provide programme managers and policymakers involved in HIV/AIDS programmes with strategic information needed to monitor and evaluate existing programmes and to effectively design new strategies for combating the epidemic in Uganda. The survey data will also be used to make population projections and to calculate indicators of the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS), USAID, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, UNAIDS, WHO, the Uganda Health Sector Strategic Plan, and the HIV/AIDS National Strategic Framework.
The specific objectives of the 2004-05 UHSBS were the following:
• To obtain accurate estimates of the magnitude and variation in HIV prevalence in Uganda
• To obtain accurate information on behavioural and care indicators related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections
• To obtain accurate information on other HIV/AIDS programme indicators
• To provide information on HIV prevalence to calibrate and improve the sentinel surveillance system
• To determine the magnitude and distribution of syphilis, herpes simplex 2, and hepatitis B infection.
The overall goal of the survey was to provide programme managers and policymakers involved in HIV/AIDS programmes with strategic information needed to monitor and evaluate existing programmes and to effectively design new strategies for combating the epidemic in Uganda. The survey data will also be used to make population projections and to calculate indicators of the UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS), USAID, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, UNAIDS, WHO, the Uganda Health Sector Strategic Plan, and the HIV/AIDS National Strategic Framework.
The specific objectives of the 2004-05 UHSBS were the following:
• To obtain accurate estimates of the magnitude and variation in HIV prevalence in Uganda
• To obtain accurate information on behavioural and care indicators related to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections
• To obtain accurate information on other HIV/AIDS programme indicators
• To provide information on HIV prevalence to calibrate and improve the sentinel surveillance system
• To determine the magnitude and distribution of syphilis, herpes simplex 2, and hepatitis B infection.
Kind of Data
Sample survey data [ssd]
Unit of Analysis
Household, individual
Scope
Notes
The 2004-2005 Uganda HIV/AIDS Sero-Behavioral Survey covered the following topics:
HOUSEHOLD
- Household Identification Particulars and Survey Information
- Household Demographic Characteristics
- Household Characteristics
- Hepatitis B Immunizations
- Support for Vulnerable Households
o Support for Chronically Ill Persons
o Support for Persons Who Have Died
o Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
- Blood Testing Decisions
WOMEN
- Respondent's Background
- Reproduction
- Marriage and Sexual Activity
- Husband's Background
- HIV/AIDS
- Other Reproductive Health Issues
HOUSEHOLD
- Household Identification Particulars and Survey Information
- Household Demographic Characteristics
- Household Characteristics
- Hepatitis B Immunizations
- Support for Vulnerable Households
o Support for Chronically Ill Persons
o Support for Persons Who Have Died
o Support for Orphans and Vulnerable Children
- Blood Testing Decisions
WOMEN
- Respondent's Background
- Reproduction
- Marriage and Sexual Activity
- Husband's Background
- HIV/AIDS
- Other Reproductive Health Issues
Coverage
Geographic Coverage
National
Universe
Women and men 15-49
Producers and sponsors
Primary investigators
| Name | Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Health | Government of Uganda |
Producers
| Name | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| ORC Macro | MEASURE DHS | Technical assistance |
| United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | Technical assistance |
Funding Agency/Sponsor
| Name | Abbreviation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Government of Uganda | Financial support | |
| United States Agency for International Development | USAID | Financial assistance |
| United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention | CDC | Financial assistance |
| United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief | Financial assistance | |
| Japan International Cooperation Agency | JICA | Financial assistance |
Sampling
Sampling Procedure
The sample for the 2004-05 UHSBS covered the population residing in households in the country. A representative probability sample of 10,425 households was selected for the UHSBS, and an additional 12 households were found during field work for a total of 10,437. The sample was constructed to allow for separate estimates for key indicators for each of nine regions created for the survey, consisting of eight groups of the (then) 56 districts in Uganda, and Kampala, the capital, as a region on its own. The regions were delineated as follows:
1 Central: Kalangala, Kiboga, Luwero, Masaka, Mpigi, Mubende, Nakasongola, Rakai, Sembabule, and Wakiso
2 Kampala
3 East Central: Bugiri, Iganga, Jinja, Kamuli, Kayunga, Mayuge, and Mukono
4 Eastern: Busia, Kapchorwa, Mbale, Pallisa, Sironko, and Tororo
5 Northeast: Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kotido, Kumi, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Soroti
6 North Central: Apac, Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, and Pader
7 West Nile: Adjumani, Arua, Moyo, Nebbi, and Yumbe
8 Western: Bundibugyo, Hoima, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kibaale, Kyenjojo, and Masindi
9 Southwest: Bushenyi, Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri.
The sample was allocated roughly equally across all nine regions to allow a sufficient size in each to produce reliable results. Since the sample was not allocated in proportion to the size of each region, the UHSBS sample is not self-weighting at the national level. Consequently, weighting factors have been applied to the data to produce nationally representative results.
The survey utilised a two-stage sample design. The first stage involved selecting sample points or clusters from a list of enumeration areas (EAs) covered in the 2002 Population Census. A total of 417 clusters composed of 74 urban and 343 rural points were selected. The second stage of selection involved the systematic sampling of households from the census list of households in each cluster. Twenty-five households were selected in each EA.
All women and men aged 15-59 who were either permanent residents of the households in the sample or visitors present in the household on the night before the survey were eligible to be interviewed in the survey. Unlike most studies in which the age category reflects the reproductive age group 15-49, the upper age cutoff in this survey was extended to 59 years so as to include the segment of the population that remains sexually active up to that age. Nevertheless, since most of the internationally accepted HIV/AIDS indicators are based on the population aged 15-49, most of the results presented in this report reflect this age group.
All women and men who were interviewed were asked to voluntarily give a blood sample for testing. Blood samples were also drawn from children under age five years after obtaining consent from their parents or caretakers. Children aged 5-14 years were not enrolled in the survey because other studies have shown a very low HIV prevalence in this age group.
1 Central: Kalangala, Kiboga, Luwero, Masaka, Mpigi, Mubende, Nakasongola, Rakai, Sembabule, and Wakiso
2 Kampala
3 East Central: Bugiri, Iganga, Jinja, Kamuli, Kayunga, Mayuge, and Mukono
4 Eastern: Busia, Kapchorwa, Mbale, Pallisa, Sironko, and Tororo
5 Northeast: Kaberamaido, Katakwi, Kotido, Kumi, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Soroti
6 North Central: Apac, Gulu, Kitgum, Lira, and Pader
7 West Nile: Adjumani, Arua, Moyo, Nebbi, and Yumbe
8 Western: Bundibugyo, Hoima, Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Kibaale, Kyenjojo, and Masindi
9 Southwest: Bushenyi, Kabale, Kanungu, Kisoro, Mbarara, Ntungamo, and Rukungiri.
The sample was allocated roughly equally across all nine regions to allow a sufficient size in each to produce reliable results. Since the sample was not allocated in proportion to the size of each region, the UHSBS sample is not self-weighting at the national level. Consequently, weighting factors have been applied to the data to produce nationally representative results.
The survey utilised a two-stage sample design. The first stage involved selecting sample points or clusters from a list of enumeration areas (EAs) covered in the 2002 Population Census. A total of 417 clusters composed of 74 urban and 343 rural points were selected. The second stage of selection involved the systematic sampling of households from the census list of households in each cluster. Twenty-five households were selected in each EA.
All women and men aged 15-59 who were either permanent residents of the households in the sample or visitors present in the household on the night before the survey were eligible to be interviewed in the survey. Unlike most studies in which the age category reflects the reproductive age group 15-49, the upper age cutoff in this survey was extended to 59 years so as to include the segment of the population that remains sexually active up to that age. Nevertheless, since most of the internationally accepted HIV/AIDS indicators are based on the population aged 15-49, most of the results presented in this report reflect this age group.
All women and men who were interviewed were asked to voluntarily give a blood sample for testing. Blood samples were also drawn from children under age five years after obtaining consent from their parents or caretakers. Children aged 5-14 years were not enrolled in the survey because other studies have shown a very low HIV prevalence in this age group.
Response Rate
A total of 10,437 households were selected in the sample, of which 9,842 were found to be occupied at the time of the fieldwork. The shortfall is largely a result of structures that were vacant or destroyed. Of existing households, 9,529 were interviewed, yielding a household response rate of 97 percent.
In the households interviewed in the survey, a total of 11,454 eligible women aged 15-59 were identified, of whom 10,826 were interviewed, yielding a response rate of 95 percent. With regard to the male survey results, 9,905 eligible men aged 15-59 were identified, of whom 8,830 were successfully interviewed, yielding a response rate of 89 percent. The response rate for both sexes combined is 92 percent.
In the households interviewed in the survey, a total of 11,454 eligible women aged 15-59 were identified, of whom 10,826 were interviewed, yielding a response rate of 95 percent. With regard to the male survey results, 9,905 eligible men aged 15-59 were identified, of whom 8,830 were successfully interviewed, yielding a response rate of 89 percent. The response rate for both sexes combined is 92 percent.
Data Collection
Dates of Data Collection
| Start | End |
|---|---|
| 2004-08 | 2005-01 |
Data Collection Mode
Face-to-face [f2f]
Data Collection Notes
TRAINING
The training of field staff for the UHSBS was held from 21 July to 6 August 2004. A total of 140 candidates for supervisors and interviewers were trained at the Hotel Africana in Kampala, while 46 laboratory technicians were trained at Tal Cottages in Kampala. Trainers were senior staff from the UHSBS project, assisted by staff from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, UVRI, Ministry of Health, Makerere University, and ORC Macro.
Because of their large number, trainees for team supervisors and interviewers were divided into three groups, each with two assigned trainers. Training consisted of an overview of the survey and its objectives, techniques of interviewing, field procedures, a detailed description of all sections of the household and individual questionnaires, mock interviews between pairs of trainees, and three tests. During the second week, trainees were divided into language groups to review the questionnaires in their local languages. That week was also taken up with three days of practice in three sites close to Kampala, interspersed with discussions of the experience. A few days before the end of training, project staff identified individuals to be appointed as regional and team supervisors and these individuals were provided a half-day of special training.
The laboratory technicians were trained on blood draw procedures (for both venous and capillary blood), specimen processing in the field lab, storage and transportation of specimens, syphilis testing, lab safety procedures, labeling of samples, and consent administration. The training included a visit to the Acute Care Division of Mulago Hospital for further practice on infants and children. The laboratory technicians joined the interviewer and supervisor trainees for two days of field practice during the last few days of training. The nurse-interviewers were also trained on how to administer syphilis treatment.
An average of two training sessions were held in each of the nine designated regions for the counsellors and lab persons on the VCT teams. Training consisted of a general introduction to the survey, understanding the survey protocols, and how to use rapid HIV kits.
MOBILISATION AND FIELDWORK
Prior to the start of fieldwork, UHSBS staff arranged for numerous activities designed to promote awareness of the survey and encourage participation. Posters and brochures were printed and distributed to local officials in the areas that fell within the sample. TV and radio spots and talk shows were conducted to raise awareness of the general public to the survey. Teams from the survey office visited local officials immediately before the commencement of the survey to alert them to the survey. Advocacy and mobilisation activities continued throughout the survey period to encourage participation. The purpose of the survey, its design, implementation, utilisation of survey data, and the need for community participation were discussed, as well as issues of confidentiality and reasons for anonymity of HIV testing. Finally, when the survey was launched, UHSBS staff arranged for a press briefing and ‘flagging off’ of the teams by the Minister of Health and other senior MOH officials. The ceremony was covered by the news media, which also helped to advocate for the survey.
Eighteen teams carried out data collection for the survey. Each team consisted of one supervisor, two female interviewers, two male interviewers, two laboratory technicians and one driver. UHSBS staff coordinated and supervised fieldwork activities, assisted by occasional visits by staff from ORC Macro. Data collection took place over a five-month period, from 14 August 2004 to the end of January 2005.
The training of field staff for the UHSBS was held from 21 July to 6 August 2004. A total of 140 candidates for supervisors and interviewers were trained at the Hotel Africana in Kampala, while 46 laboratory technicians were trained at Tal Cottages in Kampala. Trainers were senior staff from the UHSBS project, assisted by staff from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, UVRI, Ministry of Health, Makerere University, and ORC Macro.
Because of their large number, trainees for team supervisors and interviewers were divided into three groups, each with two assigned trainers. Training consisted of an overview of the survey and its objectives, techniques of interviewing, field procedures, a detailed description of all sections of the household and individual questionnaires, mock interviews between pairs of trainees, and three tests. During the second week, trainees were divided into language groups to review the questionnaires in their local languages. That week was also taken up with three days of practice in three sites close to Kampala, interspersed with discussions of the experience. A few days before the end of training, project staff identified individuals to be appointed as regional and team supervisors and these individuals were provided a half-day of special training.
The laboratory technicians were trained on blood draw procedures (for both venous and capillary blood), specimen processing in the field lab, storage and transportation of specimens, syphilis testing, lab safety procedures, labeling of samples, and consent administration. The training included a visit to the Acute Care Division of Mulago Hospital for further practice on infants and children. The laboratory technicians joined the interviewer and supervisor trainees for two days of field practice during the last few days of training. The nurse-interviewers were also trained on how to administer syphilis treatment.
An average of two training sessions were held in each of the nine designated regions for the counsellors and lab persons on the VCT teams. Training consisted of a general introduction to the survey, understanding the survey protocols, and how to use rapid HIV kits.
MOBILISATION AND FIELDWORK
Prior to the start of fieldwork, UHSBS staff arranged for numerous activities designed to promote awareness of the survey and encourage participation. Posters and brochures were printed and distributed to local officials in the areas that fell within the sample. TV and radio spots and talk shows were conducted to raise awareness of the general public to the survey. Teams from the survey office visited local officials immediately before the commencement of the survey to alert them to the survey. Advocacy and mobilisation activities continued throughout the survey period to encourage participation. The purpose of the survey, its design, implementation, utilisation of survey data, and the need for community participation were discussed, as well as issues of confidentiality and reasons for anonymity of HIV testing. Finally, when the survey was launched, UHSBS staff arranged for a press briefing and ‘flagging off’ of the teams by the Minister of Health and other senior MOH officials. The ceremony was covered by the news media, which also helped to advocate for the survey.
Eighteen teams carried out data collection for the survey. Each team consisted of one supervisor, two female interviewers, two male interviewers, two laboratory technicians and one driver. UHSBS staff coordinated and supervised fieldwork activities, assisted by occasional visits by staff from ORC Macro. Data collection took place over a five-month period, from 14 August 2004 to the end of January 2005.
Questionnaires
Questionnaires
Two questionnaires were used in the survey, a Household Questionnaire and an Individual Questionnaire for women and men aged 15-59. The contents of these questionnaires were based on the model AIDS Indicator Survey questionnaires developed by the MEASURE DHS programme.
In consultation with a spectrum of government agencies and local and international organisations, the MOH and MEASURE DHS adapted the model questionnaires to reflect issues in HIV/AIDS relevant to Uganda. These questionnaires were then translated from English into six local languages—Ateso- Karamajong, Luganda, Lugbara, Luo, Runyankole-Rukiga, and Runyoro-Rutoro. The questionnaires were further refined after the pretest and training of the field staff.
The Household Questionnaire was used to list all the usual members and visitors in the selected households. Some basic information was collected on the characteristics of each person listed, including age, sex, education, relationship to the head of the household, and orphanhood among children under age 18 years. The main purpose of the Household Questionnaire was to identify women and men who were eligible for the individual interview. The Household Questionnaire also collected information on characteristics of the household’s dwelling unit, such as the source of water, type of toilet facilities, materials used for the floor of the house, ownership of various durable goods, and ownership of mosquito nets. Information was also collected on whether the household had received specific types of care and support in the preceding 12 months for any chronically ill adults, any household members who died, and any orphans and vulnerable children. The Household Questionnaire was also used to record respondents’ consent to volunteer to give blood samples. The blood collection and testing procedures are described in the next section.
The Individual Questionnaire was used to collect information from all women and men aged 15-59 and it covered the following topics:
• Background characteristics (e.g., education, media exposure, occupation, religion)
• Reproduction
• Marriage and sexual activity
• Husband’s background (for women)
• Knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS
• Knowledge and prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
All aspects of the UHSBS data collection were pretested in June 2004. For this, five teams were formed, each with 1 supervisor, 2 female interviewers, 2 male interviewers and 2 laboratory technicians. Team members were trained for ten days and then proceeded to conduct the survey in the various districts in which their native language was spoken. In total, 300 individual interviews were completed in the pretest. The lessons learnt from the pretest were used to finalise the survey instruments and logistical arrangements for the survey.
In consultation with a spectrum of government agencies and local and international organisations, the MOH and MEASURE DHS adapted the model questionnaires to reflect issues in HIV/AIDS relevant to Uganda. These questionnaires were then translated from English into six local languages—Ateso- Karamajong, Luganda, Lugbara, Luo, Runyankole-Rukiga, and Runyoro-Rutoro. The questionnaires were further refined after the pretest and training of the field staff.
The Household Questionnaire was used to list all the usual members and visitors in the selected households. Some basic information was collected on the characteristics of each person listed, including age, sex, education, relationship to the head of the household, and orphanhood among children under age 18 years. The main purpose of the Household Questionnaire was to identify women and men who were eligible for the individual interview. The Household Questionnaire also collected information on characteristics of the household’s dwelling unit, such as the source of water, type of toilet facilities, materials used for the floor of the house, ownership of various durable goods, and ownership of mosquito nets. Information was also collected on whether the household had received specific types of care and support in the preceding 12 months for any chronically ill adults, any household members who died, and any orphans and vulnerable children. The Household Questionnaire was also used to record respondents’ consent to volunteer to give blood samples. The blood collection and testing procedures are described in the next section.
The Individual Questionnaire was used to collect information from all women and men aged 15-59 and it covered the following topics:
• Background characteristics (e.g., education, media exposure, occupation, religion)
• Reproduction
• Marriage and sexual activity
• Husband’s background (for women)
• Knowledge and attitudes towards HIV/AIDS
• Knowledge and prevalence of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
All aspects of the UHSBS data collection were pretested in June 2004. For this, five teams were formed, each with 1 supervisor, 2 female interviewers, 2 male interviewers and 2 laboratory technicians. Team members were trained for ten days and then proceeded to conduct the survey in the various districts in which their native language was spoken. In total, 300 individual interviews were completed in the pretest. The lessons learnt from the pretest were used to finalise the survey instruments and logistical arrangements for the survey.
Data Processing
Data Editing
Laboratory testing at the HIV Reference Laboratory (HRL) at the UVRI began shortly after the data collection. Priority was given to the HIV testing, followed by syphilis testing, Hepatitis B testing and herpes simplex. Testing included quality control testing at the CDC laboratory in Entebbe.
Data Appraisal
Estimates of Sampling Error
The estimates from a sample survey are affected by two types of errors: 1) nonsampling errors, and 2) sampling errors. Nonsampling errors are the results of mistakes made in implementing data collection and data processing, such as failure to locate and interview the correct household, misunderstanding of the questions on the part of either the interviewer or the respondent, and data entry errors. Although numerous efforts were made during the implementation of the 2004-05 Uganda HIV/AIDS Sero-Behavioural Survey (UHSBS) to minimise this type of error, nonsampling errors are impossible to avoid completely and difficult to evaluate statistically.
Sampling errors, on the other hand, can be evaluated statistically. The sample of respondents selected in the 2004-05 UHSBS is only one of many samples that could have been selected from the same population, using the same design and expected size. Each of these samples would yield results that differ somewhat from the results of the actual sample selected. Sampling errors are a measure of the variability between all possible samples. Although the degree of variability is not known exactly, it can be estimated from the survey results.
A sampling error is usually measured in terms of the standard error for a particular statistic (mean, percentage, etc.), which is the square root of the variance. The standard error can be used to calculate confidence intervals within which the true value for the population can reasonably be assumed to fall. For example, for any given statistic calculated from a sample survey, the value of that statistic will fall within a range of plus or minus two times the standard error of that statistic in 95 percent of all possible samples of identical size and design.
If the sample of respondents had been selected as a simple random sample, it would have been possible to use straightforward formulas for calculating sampling errors. However, the 2004-05 UHSBS sample is the result of a multi-stage stratified design, and, consequently, it was necessary to use more complex formulas. The computer software used to calculate sampling errors for the 2004-05 UHSBS is the ISSA Sampling Error Module. This module used the Taylor linearisation method of variance estimation for survey estimates that are means or proportions.
Note: Detail estimates of sampling errors computation is available in Appendix B of the final report.
Sampling errors, on the other hand, can be evaluated statistically. The sample of respondents selected in the 2004-05 UHSBS is only one of many samples that could have been selected from the same population, using the same design and expected size. Each of these samples would yield results that differ somewhat from the results of the actual sample selected. Sampling errors are a measure of the variability between all possible samples. Although the degree of variability is not known exactly, it can be estimated from the survey results.
A sampling error is usually measured in terms of the standard error for a particular statistic (mean, percentage, etc.), which is the square root of the variance. The standard error can be used to calculate confidence intervals within which the true value for the population can reasonably be assumed to fall. For example, for any given statistic calculated from a sample survey, the value of that statistic will fall within a range of plus or minus two times the standard error of that statistic in 95 percent of all possible samples of identical size and design.
If the sample of respondents had been selected as a simple random sample, it would have been possible to use straightforward formulas for calculating sampling errors. However, the 2004-05 UHSBS sample is the result of a multi-stage stratified design, and, consequently, it was necessary to use more complex formulas. The computer software used to calculate sampling errors for the 2004-05 UHSBS is the ISSA Sampling Error Module. This module used the Taylor linearisation method of variance estimation for survey estimates that are means or proportions.
Note: Detail estimates of sampling errors computation is available in Appendix B of the final report.
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Citation requirements
Uganda Bureau of Statistics, AIDS Indicator Survey 2004 (AIS 2004), version 1.0
Disclaimer and copyrights
Disclaimer
The user of the data acknowledges that the original collector of the data, the authorized distributor of the data, and the relevant funding agency bear no responsibility for use of the data or for interpretations or inferences based upon such uses.
Copyright
(c) 2004, Uganda Bureau of Statistics
Metadata production
DDI Document ID
DDI_UGA_2004_AIS_v01
Producers
| Name | Abbreviation | Affiliation | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Development Economics Data Group | DECDG | World Bank | Ducumentation of the DDI |
| Accelerated Data Program | ADP | PARIS21 | Review of the metadata |
Date of Metadata Production
2012-06-06
DDI Document version
Version 02 (June 2012)