Risk reduction counseling is associated with decreased HIV transmission-associated behaviors in high-risk Indian heterosexuals.

Objective: To estimate the incidence of HIV and study the impact of risk-reduction counseling (RRC) in a cohort of people with high-risk behavior for HIV transmission in Chennai, India.

Design: Prospective cohort follow-up of 500 HIV-negative people (250 men and 250 women) at increased risk for HIV acquisition in Chennai, India for a maximum of 1 year was conducted. They received RRC at 0, 6, and 12 months.