Using factor analyses to estimate the number of female sex workers across Malawi from multiple regional sources.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risks are heterogeneous in nature even in generalized epidemics. However, data are often missing for those at highest risk of HIV, including female sex workers. Statistical models may be used to address data gaps where direct, empiric estimates do not exist.

Methods

We proposed a new size estimation method that combines multiple data sources (the Malawi Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey, the Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts study, and the Malawi Demographic Household Survey). We used factor analysis to extract information from auxiliary variables and constructed a linear mixed effects model for predicting population size for all districts of Malawi.

Results

On average, the predicted proportion of female s

SUBMITTER: Niu XM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7901797 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature