Objective: In four states in southern India we explored the determinants of HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSW), as well factors associated with district-level variations FSW. Methods: Data from cross-sectional surveys 23 districts were analysed, outcome variable, and sociodemographic work characteristics predictor variables. Multilevel logistic regression was applied to identify that could explain districts. Results: 10 096 FSW surveyed 14.5% (95% confidence interval 14.0–15.4), a...

Objective: This paper presents key methodological approaches and challenges in implementing analysing the first round of integrated biobehavioural assessment most-at-risk populations, conducted conjunction with evaluation Avahan, India AIDS initiative. Methods: The survey collected data on HIV risk behaviours, sexually transmitted infections prevalence 29 districts six high-prevalence states India. Groups included female sex workers clients, men who have men, injecting drug users truck...

Documenting the implementation of a public health programme as per its design is critical to interpretation results from survey-led outcome and impact evaluation activities, authors describe scale-up coverage large-scale HIV-prevention services provided female sex workers (FSWs) high-risk men who have with (HR-MSM) during first 5 years Avahan in India.Implementing NGO partner-generated denominator estimates 70 districts were used estimate programme's intended coverage. Routine...

Avahan, the India AIDS initiative began HIV prevention interventions in 2003 Andhra Pradesh (AP) among high-risk groups including female sex workers (FSWs), to help contain epidemic. This manuscript describes an assessment of this intervention using published Avahan evaluation framework and assesses coverage, outcomes changes STI prevalence FSWs. Multiple data sources were utilized routine program monitoring data, two rounds cross-sectional survey (in 2006 2009) clinical quality assessments....

Avahan, the India AIDS initiative of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was a large-scale, targeted HIV prevention intervention. We aimed to assess its overall effectiveness by estimating number and proportion infections averted across Avahan districts, following causal pathway intervention.We created mathematical model transmission in high-risk groups general population using data from serial cross-sectional surveys (integrated behavioural biological assessments, IBBAs) within Bayesian...

To characterize and describe patterns of HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STI) sexual behaviour male clients female sex workers (FSW).A cross-sectional study was conducted among 4821 FSW from 12 districts in three states India: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra Tamil Nadu. A structured questionnaire administered to elicit demographic characteristics behavioural patterns. Blood urine samples were tested for syphilis herpes simplex type 2 serology, gonococcal chlamydial infection.The median age...

Abstract The study was carried out to assess the factors associated with HIV seropositivity among female sex workers (FSWs) in Dimapur, Nagaland, a high prevalence state of India. A total 426 FSWs were recruited into using respondent driven sampling (RDS). Data on demographic characteristics, sexual and injecting risk behaviours collected from them tested for HIV, Syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae Chlamydia trachomatis. RDS-weighted univariate multivariate logistic regression analysis...

Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, a large-scale HIV prevention program, using peer-mediated approaches and STI services, was implemented for high-risk groups in six states India. This paper describes assessment of program among female sex workers (FSWs) southern state Tamil Nadu. An analytical framework based on Avahan impact evaluation design used. Routine monitoring data, two rounds cross-sectional biological behavioural surveys FSWs 2006 (Round 1) 2009 2) quality assessments clinical...

The intersection between illicit drug use and female commercial sex work has been identified as an important factor responsible for rising HIV prevalence among workers (FSW) in several northeastern states of India. But, little is know about the factors associated with drugs FSWs this region. objective paper was to describe history Dimapur, hub Nagaland, which a high state were recruited using respondent driven sampling (RDS), interviewed collect data on socio-demographic characteristics risk...

Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative has been a partner supporting targeted interventions of high risk populations under India's National Control Organisation (NACO) since 2004 in state Maharashtra. This paper presents an assessment Avahan program among female sex workers (FSWs) Maharashtra, its coverage, outcomes achieved and their association with program. An analytical framework based on evaluation design was used, addressing questions implementation, intermediate Avahan. Data from routine...

Background The relationship between mobility, violence and mental health has largely been unexplored in developing countries. This study screens for signs of major depression, assesses its association with mobility among female sex workers (FSWs) southern India. Methods Data (N=2400) this were used from a cross-sectional Behavioral Tracking Survey (BTS-2014) conducted FSWs state India as part the Avahan programme. Major depression was assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-2 scale....

Injecting drugs is the major driving force of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Northeastern India. We have assessed spatial distribution locations where injecting drug users (IDU) congregate, as well risk behaviour and key characteristics IDUs to develop new strategies strengthening intervention measures for HIV prevention this region. Locations congregation buying were identified through Key Informants (KI). Verification location its confirmed field visits. also conducted...

To describe formal, external to programme methods for size estimation of high-risk populations and compare execution challenges validity results.A cross-sectional HIV risk behavioural biological survey was implemented among 24, 10 five female sex workers, men who have with injecting drug user groups, respectively. Size estimates were calculated using three formal methods: capture-recapture, the multiplier method reverse tracking (RTM), a new method.Estimates compared each other data.In...

The present study assessed coverage, changes in condom use, and prevalence of HIV other STIs among high-risk men who have sex with (HR-MSM; highly visible, recruited from cruising sites/sex venues) transgender (TG; male-to-female persons, also called hijras) the Indian state Maharashtra. Data Avahan's computerized management information system; two rounds integrated behavioral biological assessment (IBBA) surveys (Round 1 653 HR-MSM/TG Round 2 652 HR-MSM/TG); project-supported social...

Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, is a large-scale targeted intervention. Data on condom use prior to Avahan are unavailable. The authors used novel method of analysing cross-sectional survey data 'reconstruct' rates in presurvey years, and assess relationship between time trends among female sex workers (FSWs).Among FSWs reporting consistent (CCU) with clients surveys from 21 districts southern (n=7358), length using condoms, selling sex, were converted into number condoms (numerator)...

The HIV epidemic in Manipur, the highest prevalence state of India, is primarily driven by injecting drug use. Reliable estimate population size users (IDU) critical for aiding prevention program to combat epidemic. study described multiplier method, an indirect technique estimation IDU five districts India making use existing records rapid intervention and care (RIAC) programs. Number IDUs who accessed RIAC services during past 12 months was taken as benchmark data estimation. were then...

Studies exploring the linkages between financial vulnerabilities and community collectivization of female sex workers (FSWs) are scarce in India despite having potential policy implications. To fill this gap literature, study attempts to understand among FSWs assess relationship southern India.Data were drawn from a cross-sectional, behavioral tracking survey (BTS)-2014, conducted (N = 2400) Andhra Pradesh, state under Avahan-India AIDS initiative program. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) their...

<h3>Background</h3> The HIV epidemic is very heterogeneous at the district level in four Southern states of India most affected by and where transmission mainly heterosexual. authors carried out an ecological study relationship between high-risk population parameters prevalence among pregnant women (ANC prevalence). <h3>Methods</h3> data used this included: ANC available from National AIDS Control Organization (dependent variable); on other sexually transmitted infections female sex workers...

Men who have sex with men (MSM) suffer significant stigma and discrimination; hence, they are reluctant to access health services. The Botswana Second National Strategic Framework for 2010-2016 stipulates the need increase HIV prevention services key populations as one of its implementation strategies. We report here prevalence other sexually transmitted infections risk factors infection among MSM in Botswana.We conducted a cross-sectional survey using respondent driven sampling 3 districts...

Personal networks are significant social spaces to spread of HIV or other blood-borne infections among hard-to-reach population, viz., injecting drug users, female sex workers, etc. Sharing infected needles syringes users is one the major routes transmission in Manipur, a high prevalence state India. This study was carried out describe network characteristics and recruitment patterns assess association personal with risky behaviors Manipur. A total 821 were recruited into using...

Targeted interventions (TIs) are one of the most effective strategies to control HIV/AIDS transmission, especially among high-risk groups (HRGs). Implementation relies heavily on estimation size HRG population. Size for key populations such as female sex workers (FSWs), men who have with (MSM), and injecting drug users (IDUs) is a crucial component national HIV strategic planning.The objective this study was estimate FSWs, MSM, IDUs in various states India.The program multiplier method used...

Long-distance truckers (LDTs) belong to a special sentinel group with potentially high risk of acquisition HIV owing their mobility, sociodemographic vulnerability, and high-risk behaviors.The objective is estimate the prevalence identifies its correlates among representative population LDTs in West Bengal, India.Between May July 2017, Sentinel Surveillance (HSS) was conducted Bengal by National AIDS Control Organization. A total 749 were recruited for study, interviewed, tested HIV....