The East African Health Study in Toronto (EAST)

EAST was conducted in response to the lack of population-based data necessary to assess HIV-related issues in these communities, and to assist in the development of intervention programs and strategies. [...] The purpose of EAST was to examine HIV/AIDS issues and concerns in the context of general health issues and behaviour present in five East African communities. [...] The study has made contributions in several key areas: the generation of new research knowledge, provision of a platform on which to base programs, services and policy decisions, and building of research capacity through community engagement and sharing of methodological ‘lessons learned’. [...] According to the 2001 census, only 1.5% of the Canadian population was born in countries where HIV is endemic; however, this group accounted for an estimated 12% of existing HIV cases and 16% of new cases in 2005 [1]. [...] The main objective of the study was to conduct the first epidemiologic study of HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour, and to determine HIV prevalence.