Results of a preliminary study on factors of the differential spread of HIV and others sexually transmitted diseases in rural West Africa

A pilot study has been carried out in two Senegalese rural communities in January-February 1996 in order to evaluate the feasibility of a study that is being launched in several rural sites in West Africa. This study aims to shed light on the factors of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. A sample of 100 adults were asked to answer a questionnaire on at risk behaviors for these infections. Few of them have refused to answer the questionnaire: 9% (6/66) in a first site and 3% (1/34) in the other site. Interviewers', remarks made after this pilot study showed that sex and age of interviewer and interviewee must be matched and that they must know each other so as to establish a relation of confidence. Participation to the biological part of the study may prove to be poor since, in each two communities, 27 % and 40 % of the interviewees declared they would refuse to provide a blood sample if asked, Finally: preliminary results suggest that at risk sexual behaviors and motivation of casual sex may be different between the two communities. The present pilot study shows that the use of our questionnaire is possible among rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. However, it will be necessary to further explain the importance of the biological part of the study to achieve a satisfactory participation rate.