To better understand the diversifying
and changing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) epidemic, and
contemporary HIV risk factors, especially those associated with
recent HIV infections, this HIV risk factor study in China is
proposed as part of the Recipient Epidemiology and Donor Evaluation
Study-III (REDS-III). The major objectives of the study will be to
evaluate the proportion of blood donors in China who were tested
positive for HIV and have acquired their infection recently or more
remotely; the risk of releasing a blood product that contains HIV
(HIV residual risk); and the risk factors associated with HIV
infection in China. The study will also assess the frequency of
distinct HIV-1 viral lineages and drug resistant mutations among
HIV-positive blood donors. In 2011, there were 780,000 people
infected with HIV in China and it is estimated that over 300,000
HIV infected people in China are not aware of their infection
status (http://www.unaids.org.cn/pics/20130521161757.pdf). The
large migrating population and the complexity of HIV transmission
routes in China make it difficult to implement a comprehensive and
effective national HIV control strategy. Risk factors for
infections can change over time; thus, identifying factors that
contribute to the recent spread of HIV in a broad cross-section of
an otherwise unselected general population, such as blood donors,
is highly important for obtaining a complete picture of the
epidemiology of HIV infection in China. Because the pace of
globalization means infections can cross borders easily, as
suggested by recent HBV and HCV data from US CDC
(http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeehealth/guidelines/domestic/hepatitis-screening-guidelines.html),
the study objectives have direct relevance for HIV control in the
US and globally.
This HIV Risk Factor Survey
constitutes a request for a reinstatement with change of a previous
collection of information (OMB Number: 0925-0596 expiration date,
January 31, 2012). Compared with the previous study, there are
three changes: 1. Increased number of study sites from four to
five: the previous study was conducted with blood donors at four
blood centers (Kunming, Luoyang, Mianyang and Urumqi), while the
current study collects data from a larger number of blood centers
(Chongqing, Guangxi, Luoyang, Mianyang and Urumqi) thus increasing
the study's geographic representation. 2. New survey questions to
examine recently HIV infected donors: the questionnaire includes
new questions about potential risk factors that may be associated
with recently-acquired HIV infections and new questions probing
detailed risks associated with increasing HIV prevalence in high
risk groups. With this information captured and linked to the HIV
test data and donor demographic characteristics, the study aims to
establish the profiles of recently HIV infected donors and possibly
identify new strategies to prevent window period blood donations.
3. Decrease amount of incentive for survey participants from 200
RMB to 100 RMB: based on the data collection team's experience with
conducting similar surveys with this population in these regions in
China, it was decided that this study does not need 200 RMB
incentive.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.