Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Feasibility, Acceptability, Effectiveness And Cost Of Models Of Integrating Hiv Prevention And Counseling And Testing For Hiv Within Family Planning Services In North West Province, South Africa, Saiqa Mullick, Mantshi Menziwa, Nzwakie Mosery, Doctor Khoza, Edwin Maroga

Reproductive Health

The Population Council’s USAID-funded Frontiers in Reproductive Health (FRONTIERS) Program, in collaboration with the National Department of Health and the North West Provincial Department of Health and with support from PEPFAR, initiated a two-phased operations research study to test the acceptability, feasibility, and cost of two different models of integration of counseling and testing for HIV into family planning services in South Africa and to evaluate their effectiveness against standard practice. Based on the studies findings, the report concludes that the integration of HIV prevention activities, including education about prevention, dual protection, and counseling and testing within FP services in …

Consentement Éclairé Dans Les Essais De Prévention Du Vih: Points Saillants D'Un Atelier International, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Résumé adapté du rapport de l'atelier co-organisé par le Population Council et Family Health International en mai 2005. Le résumé se concentre spécifiquement sur les outils et stratégies présentés lors de l'atelier qui sont utilisés dans les essais de prévention du VIH pour faciliter le consentement éclairé, expliquer concepts difficiles et évaluer la compréhension parmi les participants à l'essai. Des exemples illustratifs d'essais achevés et en cours sont mis en évidence. Ce résumé sera utile à un public de chercheurs locaux, d'avocats et de membres du personnel des essais cliniques.

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Brief adapted from the report of the workshop co-hosted …

Helping Youth Prevent Hiv: An Evaluation Of The Straight Talk Program In Uganda, Susan E. Adamchak, Karusa Kiragu, Cathy Watson, Medard Muhwezi, Tobey Nelson Sapiano, Ann Akia-Fiedler, Richard Kibombo, Milka Juma

HIV and AIDS

Mass media initiatives are being implemented globally to provide information and foster HIV preventive behavior, however there has been limited evaluation of these efforts in sub-Saharan Africa. The Straight Talk (ST) program in Uganda has targeted youth with HIV and reproductive health (RH) information for over a decade. Evaluation results show positive associations between exposure to ST media and a number of key outcomes among youth, including sexual behavior, knowledge, and attitudes. In 2005–06, the Horizons Program conducted the first impact evaluation of the ST program in Uganda to document its effects on young people. This brief focuses on the …

'Dare To Be Different': Enhancing Life Skills Education For Hiv Prevention In South African Schools, Tobey Nelson Sapiano, Nathi Sohaba, Eka Esu-Williams

HIV and AIDS

In South Africa, approximately 5.5 million people are living with HIV. One of the main strategies the South African Government has used to build HIV prevention awareness and promote behavior change among young people is school-based life skills education. Since 2000, the Horizons Program has conducted research exploring the impact of life skills education and other school-based HIV prevention activities on young South Africans. In contrast to the high HIV prevalence among youth ages 15–24, estimated to be over 10 percent, prevalence for youth ages 10–14 is estimated at just over 1 percent. People aged 10–14 are particularly receptive to …

Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Karnataka, India, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Pranita Achyut, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain

HIV and AIDS

Karnataka is one of the high HIV prevalence states in India. Results from the National Family Health Survey indicate that 0.69 percent of adults aged 15–49 were infected with HIV in 2005–06. According to sentinel surveillance system data, HIV prevalence among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) in Karnataka was 1.3 percent. Further, 18 of the state's 27 districts have recorded HIV prevalence of more than 1 percent among pregnant women receiving ANC in sentinel sites. Strong male migration patterns are evident in some of the state’s high HIV prevalence districts. According to the 2001 census, Karnataka ranks fourth in …

School As A Workplace In Kenya: Evaluation Of The Teachers Matter Hiv/Aids Project, Karusa Kiragu, Caroline Mackenzie, Jennifer Weiss, Murungaru Kimani, Debbie Gachuhi

HIV and AIDS

The Horizons program of the Population Council embarked on an operations research initiative in Kenya to test the feasibility of implementing a teacher-centered workplace program based in schools. The study was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Kenya Institute of Education, the Teachers Service Commission, and UNICEF. Called Teachers Matter, the project’s main audience was primary and secondary school teachers. The purpose of the research was to assess whether such a program would improve teachers’ HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors; increase the proportion of teachers seeking voluntary testing and counseling; and enhance their ability to cope with …

Is It Feasible To Integrate Alcohol-Related Risk Reduction Counseling Into Vct Services? Findings From Kenya, Caroline Mackenzie, Karusa Kiragu, George Odingo, Rukia Yassin, Peter Shikuku, Patrick Angala, Nduku Kilonzo, William Sinkele, Melania Akinyi

HIV and AIDS

In Kenya, an estimated 30 percent of men report to be alcohol users which may be fueling the HIV pandemic, due to its association with high-risk sexual behavior and reduced inhibitions. The Population Council’s Horizons program collaborated on a study to improve screening of clients for alcohol use, provision of feedback of screening results, and referrals to care and support during voluntary testing and counseling (VCT) for HIV. Overall, the results indicate that it is feasible to integrate alcohol risk reduction counseling into VCT, and that it is generally accepted by providers and clients alike. This study therefore supports the …

Promoting Gender Equity As A Strategy To Reduce Hiv Risk And Gender-Based Violence Among Young Men In India, Ravi K. Verma, Julie Pulerwitz, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Sujata Khandekar, A.K. Singh, S.S. Das, Sunil Mehra, Anita Nura, Gary Barker

HIV and AIDS

The Horizons Program, CORO for Literacy, MAMTA, and Instituto Promundo developed, piloted, and scaled-up a behavior-change intervention in India to examine the effectiveness of interventions to improve young men’s attitudes toward gender roles and sexual relationships, and to reduce HIV risk behaviors and partner violence. The results of this study suggest that young men became less supportive of inequitable gender norms after participating in the interventions. Similarly, there were significant improvements among intervention participants in key outcome indicators, including condom use, partner communication, partner violence, and attitudes toward PLHIV. To maximize the chances of long-term sustainability of these positive changes, …

Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Karnataka 2007-08, Shiva S. Halli, Raluca Buzdugan, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Stephen Moses, James Blanchard, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain

HIV and AIDS

The present study was undertaken by the Population Council and the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust to study the patterns and factors driving migration among men and the extent to which they engage in high-risk activities associated with HIV. The specific objectives of the study were: to understand the patterns and factors driving the migration of men seeking work in the state of Karnataka; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men, with an emphasis on their mobility as one possible factor. Results suggest …

Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Saumya Ramarao, Ajay Kumar Singh, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Anrudh K. Jain

HIV and AIDS

This report presents the findings from the female sex workers study in Andhra Pradesh, India implemented by TNS India Private Limited and the Population Council in New Delhi. Specifically the study was undertaken to assess the volume and patterns of mobility of female sex workers; to describe the characteristics of mobile female sex workers; and too examine the determinants of HIV risk among female sex workers, with particular emphasis on mobility-related characteristics. The report concludes that targeting such highly mobile female sex workers in intervention programs requires a comprehensive understanding of their places of solicitation and sex. Female sex workers …

Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Karnataka 2007-08, Shiva S. Halli, Raluca Buzdugan, Ravi K. Verma, Stephen Moses, James Blanchard, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Niranjan Saggurti

HIV and AIDS

In Karnataka, South India, HIV infection is spreading, with female sex workers (FSWs) a high-risk group. In an effort to gain control over the epidemic, the HIV/AIDS program has made substantial efforts in the last few years toward offering FSWs access to information about sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS and to condoms, clinics, and other medical services. The present study was undertaken by the Karnataka Health Promotion Trust and the Population Council to determine the patterns and factors that drive mobility among FSWs and the association of mobility with HIV risk. The report’s findings—including mobility routes, sociodemographic profiles of FSWs, membership in …

Patterns And Implications Of Male Migration For Hiv Prevention Strategies In Maharashtra, India, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Pranita Achyut, Saumya Ramarao

HIV and AIDS

Maharashtra was one of the first states to be affected by HIV in India. Results from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3) in 2005–06 indicate that 0.62 percent of men and women aged 15–49 years were infected with HIV, as compared to the national average of 0.28 percent. HIV sentinel surveillance data from sites across Maharashtra indicate that 1.3 percent of pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) and 10.4 percent of patients receiving treatment for sexually transmitted infections in 2005 were infected with HIV. At the same time, Maharashtra ranks first nationally in the proportion of total migrants, and there …

Informed Consent In Hiv Prevention Trials: Highlights From An International Workshop, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Brief adapted from the report of the workshop co-hosted by the Population Council and Family Health International in May 2005. The brief focuses specifically on tools and strategies presented at the workshop that are being used in HIV-prevention trials to facilitate informed consent, explain difficult concepts, and assess comprehension among trial participants. Illustrative examples from completed and ongoing trials are highlighted. This brief will be useful for an audience of local researchers, advocates, and clinical trial staff.

Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Maharashtra 2007-08, K. Anil Kumar, Shalini Bharat, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Kanchan Mukherjee, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain

HIV and AIDS

HIV prevalence in Maharashtra is one of the highest among Indian states. The specific objectives of this study were: to understand the patterns and drivers of migration/mobility of men who migrate for the purpose of work in the state of Maharashtra; to describe the characteristics of vulnerable subpopulations among migrant men; and to examine the determinants of high-risk sexual behavior among the subpopulations of migrant men with particular emphasis on the role of mobility in determining the sexual risk behavior. The present study clearly demonstrates that these male migrants, married or otherwise, retain strong connectivity to their native villages, but …

Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Tamil Nadu 2007-08, Anjaneyalu Subbiah, S. Ramachandran, A.K. Ravi Shankar, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ajay Kumar Singh

HIV and AIDS

The present study was undertaken by the Population Council in partnership with Annamali University, Tamil Nadu, India to study the broad patterns and motivating forces driving migrant men’s mobility and the contexts that determine and influence their engaging in high-risk activities that increase their vulnerability to HIV. The results indicate large interdistrict movements of working men in Tamil Nadu with a little variation across districts and greater mobility among younger men. Research results suggest that further examination of the contract system under which many of the migratory laborers work is a potential focus for program intervention. Places of origin offer …

Engaging Communities In Supporting Hiv Prevention And Adherence To Antiretroviral Therapy In Zambia, Fiona Samuels, Joseph Simbaya, Avina Sarna, Scott Geibel, Phillimon Ndubani, Jolly Kamwanga

HIV and AIDS

In Zambia, the prevalence of HIV is estimated at 16 percent among 15–49-year-olds. This brief presents findings from an operations research study to access the outcomes of the Antiretroviral Community Education and Referral (ACER) project in two urban areas in Zambia—Lusaka and Ndola. The ACER project was implemented by the International HIV/AIDS Alliance, based in England, and the Alliance’s Zambia office, in conjunction with local Zambian partners. Launched in mid-2004, the two-year project built on previous formative research that examined knowledge and attitudes about prevention and treatment. The research was conducted by the Institute of Eco­nomic and Social Research in …

Sexual Behavior And Sti/Hiv Status Among Adolescents In Rural Malawi: An Evaluation Of The Effect Of Interview Mode On Reporting, Barbara Mensch, Paul C. Hewett, Richard Gregory, Stephane Helleringer

Poverty, Gender, and Youth

This paper presents the results from an interview-mode experiment conducted by the Population Council with unmarried young women in rural southern Malawi. To collect data on sexual behavior and the dynamics of HIV transmission, respondents were randomly assigned to either an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) or a conventional face-to-face (FTF) interview. Clear evidence indicates that the mode of interviewing and probing concerning various sexual partnerships affects respondents’ reporting of their sexual activity, yet the results are not always in accordance with expectations. Reporting for “ever had sex” and “sex with a boyfriend” is higher in the FTF mode, whereas, when …

Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Tamil Nadu 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Ravi K. Verma, Suvakanta N. Swain, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Ajay Kumar Singh, Saumya Ramarao, Anrudh K. Jain

HIV and AIDS

In past years, considerable research has been undertaken on the role of female sex workers (FSWs) in the transmission of HIV infection. FSWs have been seen as a major “source” of infection, and consequently, have been extensively targeted to prevent its spread. There is, however, a gap in our understanding of the dynamics of sex work, sex workers' patterns of mobility, and the relationship of such mobility with risk of HIV infection and gender-based violence. The Population Council collaborated with its local partner, TNS, to carry out a study in Tamil Nadu to examine the patterns of mobility of FSWs …

Propiciando Cambio Personal Y Social Alrededor Del Género, Sexualidad Y Vih: Evaluación De Impacto De La Estrategia De Comunicación De Puntos De Encuentro En Nicaragua, Irela Solorzano, Amy Bank, Rodolfo Pena, Henry Espinoza, Mary Ellsberg, Julie Pulerwitz

HIV and AIDS

Somos Diferentes, Somos Iguales (SDSI) is a communication for social change strategy whose objective is to prevent future HIV infections in Nicaragua, through mass communication actions that include educational entertainment programs, strengthening of local capacity, and the development of alliances within the communities. This report presents the results of an interinstitutional evaluation to explore the impact of SDSI on gender equity, stigma reduction, personalization of risk perception, knowledge and use of services, interpersonal communication, HIV prevention practices, and individual and collective effectiveness for HIV prevention. The impact evaluation showed that the SDSI strategy made a great contribution in key aspects …

Catalyzing Personal And Social Change Around Gender, Sexuality, And Hiv: Impact Evaluation Of Puntos De Encuentro´S Communication Strategy In Nicaragua, Irela Solorzano, Amy Bank, Rodolfo Pena, Henry Espinoza, Mary Ellsberg, Julie Pulerwitz

HIV and AIDS

Somos Diferentes, Somos Iguales (SDSI) is a communication for social change strategy whose objective is to prevent future HIV infections in Nicaragua, through mass communication actions that include educational entertainment programs, strengthening of local capacity, and the development of alliances within the communities. This report presents the results of an interinstitutional evaluation to explore the impact of SDSI on gender equity, stigma reduction, personalization of risk perception, knowledge and use of services, interpersonal communication, HIV prevention practices, and individual and collective effectiveness for HIV prevention. The impact evaluation showed that the SDSI strategy made a great contribution in key aspects …

Assessment Of Risk Factors For Hiv Infection In Female Sex Workers And Men Who Have Sex With Men In Ciudad Del Este, Paraguay, Magda Chinaglia, Waimar Tun, Maeve Mello, Magdalena Insfran, Juan Diaz

HIV and AIDS

Research conducted by the Population Council/Brazil, supported by the USAID-funded Horizons Project, documents findings from a study in Paraguay among men who have sex with men and female sex workers to estimate HIV and syphilis prevalence; examine knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors related to HIV and STIs; and describe the contextual and behavioral factors influencing HIV and STI transmission. Findings provide guidance to the development of HIV and STI prevention and care interventions and further operations research to test strategies and interventions to reduce the spread of HIV and STIs in these groups.

Migration/Mobility And Vulnerability To Hiv Among Male Migrant Workers: Andhra Pradesh 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Anrudh K. Jain, Saumya Ramarao, Hanimi Reddy Modugu, Ajay Kumar Singh, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ravi K. Verma

HIV and AIDS

The Population Council, in collaboration with TNS India Pvt. Ltd., undertook a study in Andhra Pradesh, India, to examine the patterns of male migration and its links with HIV risk. The goal was to provide evidence to inform the design and implementation of HIV interventions for male migrant workers. The study documented the volume and patterns of mobility, including the social dynamics within the contract system that employs these men as laborers, and the sexual risk behaviors and addictive behaviors of male migrants. The results suggest a predominance of interdistrict movements of men within Andhra Pradesh with a strong positive …

Patterns Of Migration/Mobility And Hiv Risk Among Female Sex Workers: Maharashtra 2007-08, Niranjan Saggurti, Vaishali Sharma Mahendra, Rajendra Singh, Saumya Ramarao, Suvakanta N. Swain, Ajay Kumar Singh, Anrudh K. Jain, Ravi K. Verma

HIV and AIDS

According to recent estimates, Maharashtra, India recorded high HIV prevalence among female sex workers, however there is a dearth of research documenting the migration patterns of sex workers and the linkages between their mobility and vulnerability to HIV. This Population Council study attempts to answer some of the questions on mobility and migration of female sex workers in Maharashtra as they relate to the HIV epidemic. Findings show an association between degree of mobility and the indicators of HIV risk such as consistent condom use with different types of partners, STI symptoms reported, sexual violence, and self-perception of risk for …

Consentimiento Informado En Ensayos De Prevención Del Vih: Aspectos Destacados De Un Taller Internacional, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Resumen adaptado del informe del taller organizado conjuntamente por el Population Council y Family Health International en mayo de 2005. El resumen se centra específicamente en las herramientas y estrategias presentadas en el taller que se están usando en ensayos de prevención del VIH para facilitar el consentimiento informado, explicar conceptos difíciles, y evaluar la comprensión entre los participantes del ensayo. Se destacan ejemplos ilustrativos de ensayos concluidos y en curso. Este resumen será útil para una audiencia de investigadores locales, defensores y personal de ensayos clínicos.

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Brief adapted from the report of the workshop co-hosted by the Population …

Consentimento Informado Nos Ensaios De Prevenção Do Hiv: Pontos Altos Dum Workshop Internacional, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Resumo adaptado do relatório do workshop organizado pelo Population Council e Family Health International em maio de 2005. O resumo se concentra especificamente nas ferramentas e estratégias apresentadas no workshop que estão sendo usadas em testes de prevenção do HIV para facilitar o consentimento informado, explicar conceitos difíceis e avaliar a compreensão entre os participantes do estudo. Exemplos ilustrativos de ensaios concluídos e em andamento são destacados. Este resumo será útil para um público de investigadores locais, advogados e equipe de ensaios clínicos.

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Brief adapted from the report of the workshop co-hosted by the Population Council and Family Health …

Imvume Unolwazi Ocwaningweni Lokuvimbela Igciwane Lesandulela Ngculaza, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Brief adapted from the report of the workshop co-hosted by the Population Council and Family Health International in May 2005. The brief focuses specifically on tools and strategies presented at the workshop that are being used in HIV-prevention trials to facilitate informed consent, explain difficult concepts, and assess comprehension among trial participants. Illustrative examples from completed and ongoing trials are highlighted. This brief will be useful for an audience of local researchers, advocates, and clinical trial staff.

Idhini Fahamishi Katika Majaribio Ya Kikliniki Ya Ukingaji Wa Virusi Vya Ukimwi, Population Council

HIV and AIDS

Brief adapted from the report of the workshop co-hosted by the Population Council and Family Health International in May 2005. The brief focuses specifically on tools and strategies presented at the workshop that are being used in HIV-prevention trials to facilitate informed consent, explain difficult concepts, and assess comprehension among trial participants. Illustrative examples from completed and ongoing trials are highlighted. This brief will be useful for an audience of local researchers, advocates, and clinical trial staff.

Improving Reproductive Health And Hiv Prevention Among Married Adolescents In Amhara, Ethiopia, Annabel Erulkar, Tekle-Ab Mekbib

Reproductive Health

The objective of this project is to improve reproductive health (RH), prevent new HIV infections, and promote mutual faithfulness through addressing the HIV and reproductive risk among married adolescents, who are a large, vulnerable, and neglected category of Ethiopian youth. The Population Council partnered with Ethiopia Ministry of Education, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the Ethiopian Muslim Development Agency to implement the project in Amhara region. The program used religious structures to spread messages about early marriage, HIV, and reproductive health. Local women leaders were trained as mentors of married adolescent girls, convening clubs through which HIV/RH information was conveyed, …

Exploring The Links Between Drug Use And Sexual Vulnerability Among Young Female Injecting Drug Users In Manipur, Archana Oinam

Reproductive Health

Given the high prevalence of HIV in Manipur, India and the critical role that female injecting drug users play in the transmission of HIV infection, it is becoming increasingly important to understand the sexual behaviors and drug use experiences of this group. This report describes the health status and patterns of treatment-seeking of female injecting drug users aged 15–34 in Manipur, and explores the factors underlying their vulnerability to HIV, including limited in-depth awareness of safe sexual behaviors and drug use practices, and limited self-perception of HIV risk. The report recommends development of IEC materials that address these information gaps …