Research Seed Grant | 2006-2007
HIV Risk among Market Vendors in Kazakhstan
by Nabila El-Bassel (Social Work)
This study aims to examine the prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis C (HCV) and syphilis as well as to examine frequency and correlates of drug-related and sexual HIV risk behaviors among a random sample of 500 market vendors in Almaty, Kazakhstan, who regularly migrate to and from China, Russia, neighboring Central Asian countries and/or other areas of Kazakhstan. This study will be carried out in two phases. During the first phase, key informant interviews with different market personnel and in depth interviews with market vendors will be conducted in order to (1) elicit contextual information on potential HIV transmission risks and (2) examine the role of migration and social networks in the potential spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) in this population and (3) identify factors which may facilitate or impede recruitment and participation in the prevalence study. During the second phase, we will recruit and enroll a random sample of 500 market vendors from the Barakholka Market in Almaty, Kazakhstan using respondent driven sampling (RDS). These participants will complete a face-to-face structured interview that covers: sociodemographics, migration patterns, substance use, psychological distress, HIV/STD risk behaviors, relationship characteristics, sexual risk behaviors, condom use, HIV/STD knowledge, attitudes towards condom use, peer norms about HIV/STDs risks, social network characteristics, and access and utilization of health care services, HIV/STD and substance abuse treatment. After completing the assessment, participants will receive pretest counseling and testing for HIV, HCV and syphilis. The study findings will be used to inform the design of an HIV/STD prevention intervention for market vendors in Kazakhstan. The proposed study will be conducted by Dr. Nabila El-Bassel and Louisa Gilbert from the Social Intervention Group (SIG) at Columbia University School of Social Work (CUSSW) and Dr. Peter Bearman from the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy (ISERP) at Columbia University in collaboration with Dr. Assel Terlikbayeva, and Dr. Isidora Erasilova, from the Republican AIDS Center (RAC) in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
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