The Likoma Network Study: Context, data collection and initial results

Stéphane Helleringer, Hans-Peter Kohler, Agnes Chimbiri, Praise Chatonda and James Mkandawire
Additional contact information
Stéphane Helleringer: New York University, Abu Dhabi
Hans-Peter Kohler: University of Pennsylvania
Agnes Chimbiri: United Nations Development Programme in Malawi
Praise Chatonda: Market Research Center, Celtel Lilongwe
James Mkandawire: Invest in Knowledge Initiative

Demographic Research, 2009, vol. 21, issue 15, 427-468

Abstract: The extent and structure of sexual networks have important consequences for the spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. However, very few datasets currently exist that allow a detailed investigation of sexual networks in sub-Saharan African settings where HIV epidemics have become generalized. In this paper, we describe the context and methods of the Likoma Network Study (LNS), one of the few studies that have collected extensive information on sexual networks in sub-Saharan Africa. We start by reviewing theoretical arguments and empirical studies emphasizing the importance of network structures in the epidemiology of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). The island setting of this study is described, and we argue that the choice of an island as a research site limited potential biases that may make the collection of sexual network data difficult. We then document our empirical strategy for the collection of sexual network data and the subsequent identification of sexual network partners. A description of the protocol for the collection of biomarker data (HIV infection) is provided. Finally, we present initial results relating to the socioeconomic context of the island, the size and composition of sexual networks, the quality of the sexual network data, the determinants of successful contact tracing during the LNS, and the prevalence of HIV in the study population.

Keywords: Malawi; sexual behavior; sexual networks; HIV/AIDS transmission; HIV/AIDS risk factors (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J1 Z0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.demographic-research.org/volumes/vol21/15/21-15.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:dem:demres:v:21:y:2009:i:15

DOI: 10.4054/DemRes.2009.21.15

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Demographic Research from Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Editorial Office ().