HIV behavioral surveillance in the U.S.: a conceptual framework

Public Health Rep. 2007;122 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):16-23. doi: 10.1177/00333549071220S104.

Abstract

This article describes a conceptual framework for HIV behavioral surveillance in the United States. The framework includes types of behaviors to monitor, such as risk behaviors, HIV testing behaviors, adherence to HIV treatment, and care-seeking for HIV/AIDS. The framework also describes the population groups in which specific behaviors should be monitored. Because the framework is multifaceted in terms of behaviors and populations, behavioral data from multiple surveillance systems are integrated to achieve HIV behavioral surveillance program objectives. Defining surveillance activities more broadly to include behavioral surveillance in multiple populations will provide more comprehensive data for prevention planning, and lead to a more effective response to HIV/AIDS in the United States.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude to Health*
  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System*
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Patient Compliance
  • Population Surveillance / methods*
  • Public Health Administration
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sentinel Surveillance
  • United States / epidemiology