A Population based survey on HIV Prevalence in Nagaland

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Dear Forum,

NACO has undertaken a population based survey 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. This survey was carried out during April-October 2007.

Stratified 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 identified 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.

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

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Dr Ruchi Sogarwal

Program Officer

Research & Development Division

National AIDS Control Organisation

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Government of India

e-mail: ruchi.dr@... <mailto:ruchi.dr@...>

Tel: +91-11-43509991