Table 2 Composition of the focus group discussions conducted as part of the qualitative component of the study

Youth

Mekelle, Mai Chew & Adua

3 FGDs – 29 females

Age range 13–28 years; mean age 20.6 years for males and 19.4 years for females.

3 FGDs – 30 males

Female sex workers

Mekelle, Alamata, Mekhoni, Mai Chew & Setit Humera

6 FGDs

Included only women who self-identified as sex workers. Substantial proportion of sex workers < 20 yrs of age.

Alluvial miners

Mai Hanse of Asgede Tsimbla district

1 FGD – 12 participants

Convenience sample.

Refugees

Mai Ayni & Shimelba camps

2 FGDs – 12 males and 12 females

Interviews also with health officials and the camp social worker to complement FGD findings.

Prisoners

Mekelle & Tafie prison centres (Alamata)

2 FGDs – 8 individuals from each prison

Interviews also with prison officials and head of the prison clinic.

People living with HIV

Mekelle, Setit Humera & Alamata

6 FGDs – male and female – 8–12 participants in each FGD

Participants were people living with HIV (PLHIV) association members selected in consultation with team members from HAPCO.

Seasonal migrant workers

Ahferom and Weree Leke districts, Tsegede district

2 FGDs – 9 males in each group

Age range of participants 18–39 years with an average of 25 years. Convenience sample.

2 FGDs – 12 males and 12 females

Included people who relocated spontaneously or as part of a government sponsored settlement programme (settlers).

Armed forces

Three border military camps

3 FGDs – 28 males

Included military personnel deployed in Tigrai.