Follow up KABP Survey in Relation to HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh

Goal

To generate evidence-based information on the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of high-risk populations in order to strengthen HIV/AIDS and STD prevention and control programs in Bangladesh.

Objective

• - To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding HIV/AIDS and STDs among different high-risk groups.
• - To evaluate behavioral changes following previous HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention interventions.
• - To identify misconceptions, risky behaviors, and factors contributing to HIV and STD transmission.
• - To assess the prevalence of safer sexual practices, including condom use and health-seeking behavior.
• - To identify barriers to accessing HIV/AIDS and STD prevention and healthcare services.
• - To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving national HIV/AIDS prevention policies, programs, and behavior change interventions.

Major Activities

• The Follow-up KABP (Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices) Survey was conducted during 2000–2001 with financial support from the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC). The survey was implemented across the six divisional headquarters of Bangladesh to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices related to HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) among different high-risk population groups. At the time, Bangladesh maintained a relatively low prevalence of HIV; however, growing concerns over the potential spread of HIV among vulnerable and high-risk populations highlighted the need for evidence-based research. The survey aimed to evaluate behavioral changes following previous awareness and prevention interventions and to generate reliable data for strengthening future HIV/AIDS prevention strategies. The study collected information on participants' understanding of HIV transmission and prevention, misconceptions about the disease, sexual behavior, condom use, health-seeking practices, and access to HIV/STD-related services. It also identified behavioral risk factors, barriers to preventive services, and gaps in public awareness among the target populations. The findings provided valuable evidence for policymakers, public health professionals, development partners, and implementing organizations to design more effective behavior change communication (BCC) interventions, awareness campaigns, and targeted HIV/AIDS prevention programs. The research also contributed to strengthening national strategies for HIV/AIDS and STD prevention through evidence-based planning and decision-making.
• Key Activities:
• - Developed the research methodology, survey tools, and data collection instruments.
• - Selected representative samples from different high-risk groups across the six divisional headquarters.
• - Trained field investigators and research staff on data collection procedures and ethical standards.
• - Conducted face-to-face interviews using structured KABP questionnaires.
• - Collected data on HIV/AIDS and STD knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and service utilization.
• - Performed data validation, coding, statistical analysis, and interpretation of findings.
• - Prepared a comprehensive research report highlighting key findings and recommendations.
• - Disseminated the survey results to policymakers, government agencies, development partners, and relevant stakeholders to support future HIV/AIDS prevention and control initiatives.