Collecting Data on HIV-Related Mortality during Household Surveys: A Randomized Validation Study in Malawi

Albert Dube, Malawi Epidemiology and Intervention Research Unit
Sarah Brumfield, Boston University
Amelia Crampin, Karonga Prevention Study
Stephane Helleringer, New York University Abu Dhabi

In many African countries, there are limited representative data on HIV/AIDS mortality. We tested whether such data could be collected during household surveys periodically conducted in most African countries. We added HIV questions to the module on adult and maternal mortality used in Demographic and Health Surveys. We randomly assigned men and women aged 15–59 years old to a face-to-face interview or audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI). We interviewed 535 participants who reported 885 deaths. Added HIV questions yielded limited missing data on HIV status of respondents’ deceased siblings. Adjusted sensitivity of survey data on HIV status of the deceased was high in both study groups (0.78–0.82). There were few false positive reports of HIV status of deceased siblings (specificity = 0.96–0.98). ACASI did not improve accuracy of data. Adding HIV questions to mortality questionnaires used in household surveys yields accurate data on HIV status of deceased adults.