Frequently asked questions
Who is doing this research?
Drs Fiona Burns and Alison Rodger of University College London, are leading the project, which follows from the success of previous surveys with African communities in 1999 and 2004 (Mayisha and Mayisha II). The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and the London-wide HIV Prevention Programme.
Why have I been asked?
We are asking everyone who is visiting a selected venue if they would like to take part so we can find out how to improve sexual health and HIV prevention services in London. If you’re over 18 and would describe yourself as Black British/ African then your participation can make a difference.
What would I have to do?
Taking part involves filling in a questionnaire. You fill it in by yourself so no one will know your answers. You will be asked personal questions about sexual behaviour and HIV. The questionnaire should take about 10 minutes to complete. Some of the questions are very personal. Any question that you really don’t want to answer, or feel you can’t answer, can be missed out. While you are completing the survey you can also provide an anonymous oral fluid sample. The success of the study depends on the co-operation of the people we approach, but this is a voluntary study and you can choose to do only the survey if you would prefer.
How does the oral fluid sample work?
The oral fluid sample will be tested for antibodies (proteins) that only a person who is living with HIV makes. The test is not looking for the HIV virus itself. The OraSure test looks for antibodies, if they are present, in the tissues of the cheeks and the gum - it is not a saliva test.
Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?
Yes. All information will be kept strictly confidential. We don’t ask any identifying data in the questionnaire so you won’t be recognised from your answers. All answers that you give are anonymous and will be kept securely. Please do not write your name or anything that can identify you on the questionnaire. All data will be collected in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Will I find out if I have HIV from this test?
No. The oral fluid test is anonymous and your name is not being recorded on it or the questionnaire. The oral fluid sample will only be linked to your anonymous questionnaire by a barcode sticker. This means that neither you, nor anyone else, can find out your oral test results and there is no way of tracing the result or your responses to you.
What will happen to the results of the study?
The results will be shared with African communities across the UK, the LHPP, the NHS and organisations committed to the health and wellbeing of your community. They will also be written up for publication in academic journals. If you are interested, copies of the results will be available from the research team.