Conducting HIV Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Surveys (SABERS) Among Partner Military Populations

Abstract

Background: Characterizing HIV infection and associated risk behaviors within military populations is critical for understanding the epidemic and informing prevention activities. However, the prevalence of HIV and related risk behaviors is often unknown. Further, militaries may not have the systems in place or the staff expertise to conduct HIV surveillance and risk behavior studies.

Methods: The Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP), funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the US Department of Defense, provides technical assistance, management and administrative support for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment for approximately 65 partner militaries. Collaborating with partner militaries in conducting Seroprevalence and Behavioral Epidemiology Risk Surveys (SABERS) and using the data to monitor the epidemic and inform activities is a key component of DHAPP.

Conclusion: This paper describes the methodology used to plan, adapt, implement and report SABERS studies.

Keywords: HIV; Military; PEPFAR; methodology; prevention; sexual risk behaviors; surveillance; uniformed services.