Evaluation of a community-based HIV preventive intervention for female sex workers in rural areas of Karnataka State, south India.

To examine changes in behavioral outcomes among rural female sex workers (FSWs) involved in a community-based comprehensive HIV preventive intervention program in south India. A total of 14, 284 rural FSWs were reached by means of a community-based model for delivering outreach, medical, and referral services. Changes in behavior were assessed using 2 rounds of polling booth surveys conducted in 2008 and 2011.

Community level morbidity control of lymphoedema using self care and integrative treatment in two lymphatic filariasis endemic districts of South India: a non randomized interventional study.

Background: Currently there is no global program to manage lymphoedema as a result of lymphatic filariasis (LF). The primary aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a previously proposed integrative treatment protocol, using locally available resources to address the morbidity, in a community village setting.

Methods: Two LF endemic districts of south India, Gulbarga in Karnataka (GK) and Alleppey in Kerala (AK), were selected for the study.

Understanding out-migration among female sex workers in South India.

Background: Migrant sex workers are known to be vulnerable to HIV. There is substantial female sex worker (FSW) mobility between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka, but little programming emphasis on migrant FSWs in India. We sought to understand the individual/cultural, structural, and contextual determinants of migration among FSWs from Karnataka.

Is HIV prevalence declining in southern India? Evidence from two rounds of general population surveys in Bagalkot District, Karnataka.

Objectives: To assess the levels and trends in the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in the general population in Bagalkot district using 2 cross-sectional surveys undertaken in 2003 and 2009.

Methods: In both surveys, a target sample of 6600 adult males and females was selected systematically from a sample of 10 rural villages and 20 urban blocks in 3 of the 6 talukas (subdistrict units) in the district. Urine and blood samples were collected from all consenting participants for HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing.

Heterogeneity of the HIV epidemic in the general population of Karnataka state, south India.

Background: In the context of AVAHAN, the India AIDS Initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, general population surveys (GPS) were carried out between 2006 and 2008 in Belgaum (northern), Bellary (mid-state) and Mysore (southern) districts of Karnataka state, south India. Data from these three surveys were analysed to understand heterogeneity in HIV risk.

Methods: Outcome variables were the prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Assessment of attitudes and practices of providers of services for individuals at high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections in Karnataka, south India.

Background: A key component of prevention programmes aimed at reducing the risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) among high-risk groups such as female sex workers (FSW) is the provision of quality STI services. The attitudes and practices of care providers are critical factors in the provision of services and in achieving better participation of high-risk individuals in accessing services.

Objectives: To assess the attitudes and practices of STI care providers towards FSW, and the perceptions of FSW towards STI services, following training.

Variability in the sexual structure in a rural Indian setting: implications for HIV prevention strategies.

Objectives: To describe the sexual structure, including numbers and distribution of female sex workers (FSWs) and male sexual behaviours in the Bagalkot district of the state of Karnataka in south India.

Methods: Village health workers and peer educators enumerated FSWs in each village by interviewing key informants and FSWs. Urban FSW populations were estimated using systematic interviews with key informants to identify sex work sites and then validating FSW populations at each sex work site.

Diarrheal disease among HIV-infected adults in Karnataka, India: evaluation of risk factors and etiology.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate characteristics associated with diarrhea, the effect of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) prophylaxis on diarrhea, the response to treatment with ciprofloxacin and tinidazole (Cipro-TZ), and presence of enteric pathogens. Adults infected with human immunodeficiency virus with and without diarrhea served as cases and controls, respectively. Participants provided a medical history and underwent a physical examination.

Prevalence and determinants of HIV infection in South India: a heterogeneous, rural epidemic.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and determinants of HIV infection in the general population in Bagalkot district, a largely rural district in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.

Methods: Approximately 6700 individuals aged 15-49 years were randomly sampled from 10 villages and six towns, from three of Bagalkot's six sub-districts. Each consenting respondent was administered a questionnaire, followed by blood collection and testing for HIV, syphilis, and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) on a 25% sub-sample.