Applying HIV/AIDS Survey Methodology across Cultures

HIV/AIDS surveys have been conducted for a variety of purposes and on a diverse set of populations. Early studies in the US centered on collecting information to evaluate HIV/AIDS prevention programs, track the spread of the HIV, and understand the behaviors associated with risk of acquiring the infection. These surveys were carried out on the general population and on members of specific target groups of interest, including intravenous drug users, commercial sex workers, and men who have sex with men (MSM). Study design frameworks used in the US include qualitative and quantitative techniques such as in-depth surveys, focus groups, local observation methods, and randomized experiments.