How reliable and valid are the self-reports of sexual behavior among HIV discordant couples in Pune, INDIA.

Reliability of self-reported sexual and safe sex behavior among heterosexual HIV discordant couples was assessed by matching individual responses of couples to a common set of questions and validated by matching with pregnancy and seroconversion during study period. Demographic, clinical and sexual behavior information was collected individually from 457 consenting married discordant couples using structured questionnaires at screening, enrollment and at four quarterly visits. Reliability of self-reports tested using Kappa statistics.

Male circumcision for HIV prevention in India: emerging viewpoints and practices of health care providers.

A compelling case for promoting male circumcision (MC) as an intervention for reducing the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection was made by dissemination of the results of three studies in Africa. The WHO/UNAIDS recommendation for MC for countries like India, where the epidemic in concentrated in high-risk groups, advocates MC for specific population groups such as men at higher risk for HIV acquisition. A multicentre qualitative study was conducted in four geographically distinct districts (Belgaum, Kolkata, Meerut and Mumbai) in India during June 2009 to June 2011.

Feasibility of using partograph by practitioners of Indian system of medicine (AYUSH): An exploratory observation.

Objective: to understand the use of the partograph by Skilled Birth Attendance/Basic Emergency Obstetric Care (SBA/BEmOC) trained practitioners from Indian systems of medicine called AYUSH practitioners (APs).

Design: mixed method observational study, including an exploration of the views of APs, programme managers and SBA trainers on the necessity, feasibility and barriers to the use of partograph.

Setting: primary and community health centres in two purposively selected districts in each of the three states (Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Odisha) in India where SBA/BEmOC trained APs are deployed to provide SBA services.

Task-shifting challenges for provision of skilled birth attendance: a qualitative exploration.

Background: Shortage of skilled birth attendants (SBA) is one of the determinants of maternal mortality in India. To combat this shortage, innovative task-shifting strategies to engage providers of the Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda and Homeopathy), called AYUSH practitioners (AP), to provide SBA services is being implemented.

Methods: Engagement of APs for SBA service provision was assessed in 3 states of India (Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Odisha) through 73 in-depth interviews (37 with APs and 36 with programme managers).

Correlates of lower comprehension of informed consent among participants enrolled in a cohort study in Pune, India.

Background: Optimum comprehension of informed consent by research participants is essential yet challenging. This study explored correlates of lower comprehension of informed consent among 1334 participants of a cohort study aimed at estimating HIV incidence in Pune, India.

Methods: As part of the informed consent process, a structured comprehension tool was administered to study participants.

Declining HIV incidence among patients attending sexually transmitted infection clinics in Pune, India.

Objective: A recent report suggesting declining HIV transmission rates in southern India has been based on HIV seroprevalence data to estimate HIV incidence. We analyzed HIV incidence rates among 3 cohorts (male, female non-sex worker, female sex worker [FSW]) presenting to sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in Pune, India over 10 years.

Methods: Between 1993 and 2002, consenting HIV-uninfected individuals were enrolled in a prospective study of the risks for HIV seroconversion.

Correlates and trend of HIV prevalence among female sex workers attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in Pune, India (1993-2002).

In India, substantial efforts have been made to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS among female sex workers (FSWs). We assessed the impact of awareness regarding safe sex in a cohort of FSWs by studying trends in HIV prevalence, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and risk behaviors measured from 1993 to 2002 in Pune, India. A total of 1359 FSWs attending 3 STD clinics were screened for HIV infection, and data on demographics, sexual behaviors, and past and current STDs were obtained.

Comparative acceptability study of the Reality female condom and the version 4 of modified Reddy female condom in India.

Objective: Affordable, acceptable and effective female controlled options are required worldwide for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. We carried out a comparative acceptability study of Reality and Reddy (version 4) female condoms.

Methods: Sixty eligible couples were enrolled and randomly assigned to use either Reality or Reddy condom first.