This proposal is to design a study to examine sociocultural and biological factors associated with the transmission of AIDS in Western Africa. During the planning period the following are expected to be fulfilled: 1. Selection of hospital(s) in the Ivory Coast or Gambia; the highest incidences of HIV-2 seropositivity have been reported in these countries. 2. Establish research ties with an academic department or research organization in the selected country. 3. Obtain from hospital administrators consent to participate; and permission to review patient charts to gather information on infection rate and duration. 4. Establish working relations with local administrators, physicians and nurses. 5. Determine sample design to a) obtain a population of African and Caucasian HIV seropositives and seronegatives b) insure a sample of high risk individuals c) plan a strategy to contact and receive participants at designated locations 6. Determine the best storage and transportation method for blood samples and identify legal requirements for transporting blood samples containing HIV across country boundaries, if necessary. 7. Select blood groups and serum proteins to be identified in the blood analysis; and identify laboratory to conduct blood analysis and determine cost of analysis. 8. Develop demographic, cultural and health belief instrumentations. 9. Prepare a research proposal to examine bicultural factors influencing the transmission of AIDS in Western Africa which will be submitted to the National Science Foundation.
