APPLICATIONS OF DATA FROM THE CDC FAMILY OF SURVEYS

The CDC Family of Surveys is a national serologic surveillance system set up to characterize the extent of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV ) infection in the United States. The now Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and participating State and local health departme nts began the system in 1987. HIV seroprevalence data are collected by unlinked (anonymous) surveys of particular components of the populati on that include childbearing women; clients of sexually transmitted di sease clinics; injecting drug users; tuberculosis patients; and severa l special populations, such as adolescents, prisoners, and homeless pe rsons. The data obtained have been used extensively on both national a nd local levels to assist HIV-prevention programs. Data from the surve ys have been used to identify specific demographic groups at risk for HIV infection so that health education programs may be planned and mad e available to them in clinical settings. Local serosurvey results hav e been used in planning and implementing prevention programs and in pl anning health services for HIV-positive persons. The completeness, or coverage, of HIV counseling and testing programs has been evaluated by comparing seroprevalences among clients tested voluntarily with those tested in the unlinked survey. Survey data are used in formulating re commendations and standards of care for health practitioners, in alloc ating resources, and in carrying out long-range planning for HIV preve ntion and treatment services for at-risk groups. Such data are essenti al to the decision-making process in forming public health policy and recommending practices involving the HIV epidemic.