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National HIV Behavioral Surveillance

HIV/AIDS


Effective HIV prevention programs rely primarily on changing behavior; therefore, behavioral data are needed to inform these programs.1

National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) is conducted in 20 U.S. metropolitan areas with high HIV prevalence. NHBS involves a repeated, cross-sectional survey and voluntary HIV testing across populations with increased chances of acquiring HIV: men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and heterosexuals at risk for HIV. 

NHBS activities are implemented in rotating cycles so that data are collected from each population group approximately once every three years. The study provides data on 1) trends in sexual and drug-use risk behaviors, 2) HIV prevalence and incidence, 3) HIV testing patterns, and 4) the use and impact of prevention services. The overarching goal of NHBS is to help evaluate and direct local and national prevention efforts. 

The HIV/AIDS Section collaborates with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Miami to conduct NHBS in South Florida. The project is known locally as ACXION (Assessing Characteristics of population X In ON-going surveillance). Consenting participants complete an anonymous interview consisting of the core NHBS questionnaire and a local questionnaire tailored to South Florida. Local questions address topics such as crystal methamphetamine use, use of the Internet for high-risk behaviors, depression, and social support. Participants also receive anonymous HIV counseling and testing as well as referrals to psychosocial and health care services.



1 Lansky A, Abdul-Quader AS, Cribbin M, et al. Developing an HIV behavioral surveillance system for injecting drug users: the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System. Public Health Reports 2007; 122(suppl 1):48-55.