Epidemiological Study of HIV in the South African National Defense Force

This project, called PHIDISA I, will screen uniformed personnel of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) and their registered family members for HIV, hepatitis B and C, gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia to determine the incidence and prevalence of these sexually transmitted diseases. It will identify people who may be eligible to participate in clinical trials for preventing or treating HIV disease and will provide information that will be helpful in developing policy and better care for people affected with HIV and other diseases. This project is part of the South Africa-U.S. PHIDISA Programme-a collaboration between the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) of the SANDF, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. National Institutes of Health-to help prevent HIV transmission among South African military and civilian employees and their families. Uniformed SANDF personnel or their family members who are eligible for health services from the SAMHS may enroll in the study. Participants visit the clinic every 6 months for up to 5 years for the following tests and procedures: * Fill out a demographic information questionnaire * Fill out a HIV risk assessment questionnaire * Fill out a quality of life questionnaire * Blood test * Urine test * Review of test results and counseling session with a doctor or nurse Patients who test positive for HIV have a physical examination and additional blood draws. ...