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BackgroundInadequate control of diabetes and hypertension is a major concern in India because of rising mortality and morbidity. Few studies in India have explored factors that influence control of diabetes and hypertension. The current study aimed to improve the understanding of multifactorial influence on the control of diabetes and hypertension among patients in Primary Health Care Settings(PHC) of urban Karnataka.MethodsWe used a mixed-method study design, within a project aiming to improve non-communicable disease (NCD) continuum of care across PHC in Mysore city, India, conducted in 2018. The quantitative study was conducted among 399 patients with diabetes and/or hypertension and a logistic regression model was used to assess the factors responsible for biological control levels of diabetes and hypertension measured through Glycated Haemoglobin(HbA1c) and blood pressure. Further, in-depth interviews(IDI) were conducted among these patients and the counsellors at PHCs to understand the barriers and enablers for better control.ResultThe quantitative assessment found odds of poor control amongst diabetics’ increased with older age, longer duration of disease, additional chronic conditions, and tobacco consumption. For hypertensives, odds of poor control increased with higher body mass index(BMI), alcohol consumption, and belongingness to lower social groups. These findings were elaborated through qualitative assessment which found that the control status was affected by stress as a result of family or financial worries. Stress, poor lifestyle, and poor health-seeking behaviour interplay with other factors like diet and exercise leading to poor control of diabetes and hypertension.ConclusionA better understanding of determinants associated with disease control can assist in designing focused patient outreach plans, customized communication strategies, need-based care delivery plans, and specific competency-based capacity-building models for health care workers. Client-centric care focusing on biological, social and behavioural determinants is pivotal for appropriate management of NCDs at community level in low-middle income countries.

Background TB is a preventable and treatable disease. Yet, successful treatment outcomes at desired levels are elusive in many national TB programs, including India. We aim to identify risk factors for unfavourable outcomes to TB treatment, in order to subsequently design a care model that would improve treatment outcomes among these at-risk patients. Methods We conducted a cohort analysis among TB patients who had been recently initiated on treatment. The study was part of the internal program evaluation of a USAID-THALI project, implemented in select towns/cities of Karnataka and Telangana, south India. Community Health Workers (CHWs) under the project, used a pre-designed tool to assess TB patients for potential risks of an unfavourable outcome. CHWs followed up this cohort of patients until treatment outcomes were declared. We extracted treatment outcomes from patient’s follow-up data and from the Nikshay portal. The specific cohort of patients included in our study were those whose risk was assessed during July and September, 2018, subsequent to conceptualisation, tool finalisation and CHW training. We used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to assess each of the individual and combined risks against unfavourable outcomes; death alone, or death, lost to follow up and treatment failure, combined as ‘unfavourable outcome’. Results A significantly higher likelihood of death and experiencing unfavourable outcome was observed for individuals having more than one risk (AOR: 4.19; 95% CI: 2.47–7.11 for death; AOR 2.21; 95% CI: 1.56–3.12 for unfavourable outcome) or only one risk (AOR: 3.28; 95% CI: 2.11–5.10 for death; AOR 1.71; 95% CI: 1.29–2.26 for unfavourable outcome) as compared to TB patients with no identified risk. Male, a lower education status, an initial weight below the national median weight, co-existing HIV, previous history of treatment, drug-resistant TB, and regular alcohol use had significantly higher odds of death and unfavourable outcome, while age > 60 was only associated with higher odds of death. Conclusion A rapid risk assessment at treatment initiation can identify factors that are associated with unfavourable outcomes. TB programs could intensify care and support to these patients, in order to optimise treatment outcomes among TB patients.

Background We assessed the effects of a nurse mentoring program on neonatal mortality in eight districts in India. Methods From 2012 to 2015, nurse mentors supported improvements in critical MNCH-related practices among health providers at primary health centres (PHCs) in northern Karnataka, South India. Baseline (n = 5240) and endline (n = 5154) surveys of randomly selected ever-married women were conducted. Neonatal mortality rates (NMR) among the last live-born children in the three years prior to each survey delivered in NM and non-NM-supported facilities were calculated and compared using survival analysis and cumulative hazard function. Mortality rates on days 1, 2–7 and 8–28 post-partum were compared. Cox survival regression analysis measured the adjusted effect on neonatal mortality of delivering in a nurse mentor supported facility. Results Overall, neonatal mortality rate in the three years preceding the baseline and endline surveys was 30.5 (95% CI 24.3–38.4) and 21.6 (95% CI 16.3–28.7) respectively. There was a substantial decline in neonatal mortality between the survey rounds among children delivered in PHCs supported by NM: 29.4 (95% CI 18.1–47.5) vs. 9.3 (95% CI 3.9–22.3) (p = 0.09). No significant declines in neonatal mortality rate were observed among children delivered in other facilities or at home. In regression analysis, among children born in nurse mentor supported facilities, the estimated hazard ratio at endline was significantly lower compared with baseline (HR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06–0.82, p = 0.02). Conclusion The nurse mentoring program was associated with a substantial reduction in neonatal mortality. Further research is warranted to delineate whether this may be an effective strategy for reducing NMR in resource-poor settings.

Background Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) are female community health workers who primarily work to improve local reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health across India. As ASHAs often hail from patriarchal environments and are positioned at the bottom of the healthcare hierarchy, they are vulnerable to experiencing different forms of violence from the various individuals that they interact with. There is a gap in knowledge about the violence ASHAs experience. The purpose of this study was to assess the working condition of ASHAs, the extent and types of violence they experienced, and the corresponding perpetrators of this violence in two districts of Northern Karnataka. # Methods Using a mixed methods approach, we first surveyed 396 ASHAs to characterize their experiences of violence. We then conducted in-depth interviews with 16 ASHAs to elaborate on survey findings. Data was analyzed using quantitative prevalence statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. # Results The majority of ASHAs reported economic (88%) or emotional violence (73%), while many ASHAs reported sexual (32%) or physical violence (26%). ASHAs reported high levels of economic violence from their beneficiaries and their beneficiaries’ families (64%), emotional violence from their co-workers (44%), and physical and sexual violence from their husbands (17% and 12% respectively). Mixed methods findings revealed that violence was often rooted from their low positioning on the healthcare hierarchy, a lack of respect from community members, and limited autonomy at home. # Conclusions Evidence from this study suggests that violence perpetrated against ASHAs is highly prevalent, diverse in forms, and often arises from the ASHA’s immediate circles. Interventions aiming to decrease violence against ASHA workers requires multi-level approach, with collaborative components empowering ASHAs, sensitizing ASHA families and co-workers, implementing regulations at the health facility level, and increasing community-wide respect for ASHAs and their role in the health care.

ObjectivesKangaroo Mother Care (KMC), prolonged skin-to-skin care of the low birth weight baby with the mother plus exclusive breastfeeding reduces neonatal mortality. Global KMC coverage is low. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate context-adapted implementation models to achieve improved coverage.DesignThis study used mixed-methods applying implementation science to develop an adaptable strategy to improve implementation. Formative research informed the initial model which was refined in three iterative cycles. The models included three components: (1) maximising access to KMC-implementing facilities, (2) ensuring KMC initiation and maintenance in facilities and (3) supporting continuation at home postdischarge.Participants3804 infants of birth weight under 2000 g who survived the first 3 days, were available in the study area and whose mother resided in the study area.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcomes were coverage of KMC during the 24 hours prior to discharge and at 7 days postdischarge.ResultsKey barriers and solutions were identified for scaling up KMC. The resulting implementation model achieved high population-based coverage. KMC initiation reached 68%–86% of infants in Ethiopian sites and 87% in Indian sites. At discharge, KMC was provided to 68% of infants in Ethiopia and 55% in India. At 7 days postdischarge, KMC was provided to 53%–65% of infants in all sites, except Oromia (38%) and Karnataka (36%).ConclusionsThis study shows how high coverage of KMC can be achieved using context-adapted models based on implementation science. They were supported by government leadership, health workers’ conviction that KMC is the standard of care, women’s and families’ acceptance of KMC, and changes in infrastructure, policy, skills and practice.Trial registration numbersISRCTN12286667; CTRI/2017/07/008988; NCT03098069; NCT03419416; NCT03506698.

Additional file 1. Tool for risk and needs assessment (RANA).

Background: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), defined as prolonged skin-to-skin contact of the low birth weight baby with the mother and exclusive breastfeeding, is highly effective in reducing neonatal mortality. Yet the coverage of KMC globally is 8 hours of skin to skin contact per day and exclusive breastfeeding) before discharge, and 7 days after discharge, among infants with birth weight

Additional file 2. Prevention Care and Support Card (PCS).

Background India accounts for more than two-third of mortality due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in south-east Asia. The burden is high in Karnataka, one of the largest states in southern India. There is a need for integration of disease prevention, health promotion, treatment and care within the national program at primary level. A public-private partnership initiative explored evidence gaps to inform a health system based, integrated NCD programme across care continuum with a focus on hypertension and diabetes. Methods The study was conducted during 2017–18 in urban parts of Mysore city, covering a population of 58,000. Mixed methods were used in the study; a population-based screening to estimate denominators for those with disease and at risk; cross-sectional surveys to understand distribution of risk factors, treatment adherence and out of pocket expenses; facility audits to assess readiness of public and private facilities; in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to understand practices, myths and perceptions in the community. Chi-square tests were used to test differences between the groups. Framework analysis approach was used for qualitative analysis. Results Twelve and 19% of the adult population had raised blood sugar and blood pressure, respectively, which increased with age, to 32 and 44% for over 50 years. 11% reported tobacco consumption; 5.5%, high alcohol consumption; 40%, inadequate physical activity and 81%, inappropriate diet consumption. These correlated strongly with elderly age and poor education. The public facilities lacked diagnostics and specialist services; care in the private sector was expensive. Qualitative data revealed fears and cultural myths that affected treatment adherence. The results informed intervention design across the NCD care continuum. Conclusions The study provides tools and methodology to gather evidence in designing comprehensive NCD programmes in low and middle income settings. The study also provides important insights into public-private partnership driving effective NCD care at primary care level. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-019-6735-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Female sex workers (FSWs) experience violence from a range of perpetrators, but little is known about how violence experience across multiple settings (workplace, community, domestic) impacts on HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk. We examined whether HIV/STI risk differs by the perpetrator of violence.An Integrated Biological and Behavioural Assessment survey was conducted among random samples of FSWs in two districts (Bangalore and Shimoga) in Karnataka state, south India, in 2011. Physical and sexual violence in the past six months, by workplace (client, police, coworker, pimp) or community (stranger, rowdy, neighbour, auto-driver) perpetrators was assessed, as was physical and sexual intimate partner violence in the past 12 months. Weighted, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine associations between violence by perpetrator and HIV/STI risk.1111 FSWs were included (Bangalore=718, Shimoga=393). Overall, 34.9% reported recent physical and/or sexual violence. Violence was experienced from domestic (27.1%), workplace (11.1%) and community (4.2%) perpetrators, with 6.2% of participants reporting recent violence from both domestic and non-domestic (workplace/community) perpetrators. Adjusted analysis suggests that experience of violence by workplace/community perpetrators is more important in increasing HIV/STI risk during sex work (lower condom use with clients; client or FSW under the influence of alcohol at last sex) than domestic violence. However, women who reported recent violence by domestic and workplace/community perpetrators had the highest odds of high-titre syphilis infection, recent STI symptoms and condom breakage at last sex, and the lowest odds of condom use at last sex with regular clients compared with women who reported violence by domestic or workplace/community perpetrators only.HIV/STI risk differs by the perpetrator of violence and is highest among FSWs experiencing violence in the workplace/community and at home. Effective HIV/STI prevention programmes with FSWs need to include violence interventions that address violence across both their personal and working lives.

IntroductionKangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is the practice of early, continuous and prolonged skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the baby with exclusive breastfeeding. Despite clear evidence of impact in improving survival and health outcomes among low birth weight infants, KMC coverage has remained low and implementation has been limited. Consequently, only a small fraction of newborns that could benefit from KMC receive it.Methods and analysisThis implementation research project aims to develop and evaluate district-level models for scaling up KMC in India and Ethiopia that can achieve high population coverage. The project includes formative research to identify barriers and contextual factors that affect implementation and utilisation of KMC and design scalable models to deliver KMC across the facility-community continuum. This will be followed by implementation and evaluation of these models in routine care settings, in an iterative fashion, with the aim of reaching a successful model for wider district, state and national-level scale-up. Implementation actions would happen at three levels: ‘pre-KMC facility’—to maximise the number of newborns getting to a facility that provides KMC; ‘KMC facility’—for initiation and maintenance of KMC; and ‘post-KMC facility’—for continuation of KMC at home. Stable infants with birth weightEthics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained in all the project sites, and centrally by the Research Ethics Review Committee at the WHO. Results of the project will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication, in addition to national and global level dissemination.Study statusWHO approved protocol: V.4—12 May 2016—Protocol ID: ERC 2716. Study implementation beginning: April 2017. Study end: expected March 2019.Trial registration numberCommunity Empowerment Laboratory, Uttar Pradesh, India (NCT12286667); St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, India and Karnataka Health Promotion Trust, Bangalore, India (CTRI/2017/07/008988); Society for Applied Studies, Delhi (NCT03098069); Oromia, Ethiopia (NCT03419416); Amhara, SNNPR and Tigray, Ethiopia (NCT03506698).

Objectives. We examined the impact of community mobilization (CM) on the empowerment, risk behaviors, and prevalence of HIV and sexually transmitted infection in female sex workers (FSWs) in Karnataka, India. Methods. We conducted behavioral–biological surveys in 2008 and 2011 in 4 districts of Karnataka, India. We defined exposure to CM as low, medium (attended nongovernmental organization meeting or drop-in centre), or high (member of collective or peer group). We used regression analyses to explore whether exposure to CM was associated with the preceding outcomes. Pathway analyses explored the degree to which effects could be attributable to CM. Results. By the final survey, FSWs with high CM exposure were more likely to have been tested for HIV (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 25.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 13.07, 48.34) and to have used a condom at last sex with occasional clients (AOR = 4.74; 95% CI = 2.17, 10.37), repeat clients (AOR = 4.29; 95% CI = 2.24, 8.20), and regular partners (AOR = 2.80; 95% CI = 1.43, 5.45) than FSWs with low CM exposure. They were also less likely to be infected with gonorrhea or chlamydia (AOR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.31, 0.87). Pathway analyses suggested CM acted above and beyond peer education; reduction in gonorrhea or chlamydia was attributable to CM. Conclusions. CM is a central part of HIV prevention programming among FSWs, empowering them to better negotiate condom use and access services, as well as address other concerns in their lives.

INTRODUCTION: Female sex workers (FSWs) frequently experience violence, harassment and arrest by the police or their clients, but there is little evidence as to the impact that such factors may have on HIV risk or whether community interventions could mitigate this impact. METHODS: As part of the evaluation of the Avahan programme in Karnataka, serial integrated behavioural and biological assessment (IBBA) surveys (four districts) (2005 to 2011) and anonymous polling booth surveys (PBS) (16 districts) (2007 to 2011) were conducted with random samples of FSWs. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess 1) changes in reported violence and arrests over time and 2) associations between violence by non-partners and police arrest and HIV/STI risk and prevalence. Mediation analysis was used to identify mediating factors. RESULTS: 5,792 FSWs participated in the IBBAs and 15,813 participated in the PBS. Over time, there were significant reductions in the percentages of FSWs reporting being raped in the past year (PBS) (30.0% in 2007, 10.0% in 2011, p

Background The maternal mortality ratio in India has been declining over the past decade, but remains unacceptably high at 212 per 100,000 live births. Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and pre- eclampsia/eclampsia contribute to 40% of all maternal deaths. We assessed facility readiness and provider preparedness to deal with these two maternal complications in public and private health facilities of northern Karnataka state, south India. Methods We undertook a cross-sectional study of 131 primary health centres (PHCs) and 148 higher referral facilities (74 public and 74 private) in eight districts of the region. Facility infrastructure and providers’ knowledge related to screening and management of complications were assessed using facility checklists and test cases, respectively. We also attempted an audit of case sheets to assess provider practice in the management of complications. Chi square tests were used for comparing proportions. Results 84.5% and 62.9% of all facilities had atleast one doctor and three nurses, respectively; only 13% of higher facilities had specialists. Magnesium sulphate, the drug of choice to control convulsions in eclampsia was available in 18% of PHCs, 48% of higher public facilities and 70% of private facilities. In response to the test case on eclampsia, 54.1% and 65.1% of providers would administer anti-hypertensives and magnesium sulphate, respectively; 24% would administer oxygen and only 18% would monitor for magnesium sulphate toxicity. For the test case on PPH, only 37.7% of the providers would assess for uterine tone, and 40% correctly defined early PPH. Specialists were better informed than the other cadres, and the differences were statistically significant. We experienced generally poor response rates for audits due to non-availability and non-maintenance of case sheets. Conclusions Addressing gaps in facility readiness and provider competencies for emergency obstetric care, alongside improving coverage of institutional deliveries, is critical to improve maternal outcomes. It is necessary to strengthen providers’ clinical and problem solving skills through capacity building initiatives beyond pre-service training, such as through onsite mentoring and supportive supervision programs. This should be backed by a health systems response to streamline staffing and supply chains in order to improve the quality of emergency obstetric care. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2393-14-304) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

BACKGROUND: This study characterized the type and frequency of violence against female sex workers (FSWs) perpetrated by their clients and their main intimate or other nonpaying partner (NPP) and examined the relationship between violence and inconsistent condom use (ICU, G100%). The factors associated with client violence were also assessed. METHODS: Data were analyzed from cross-sectional surveys of FSWs in Karnataka state (2007-2008), India. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the following: (1) relationship between client or NPP violence (physical and/or sexual) and ICU by occasional/repeat clients or the NPP and (2) relationship between social and environmental factors and client violence. RESULTS: Of 1219 FSWs, 9.6% (111) and 3.7% (42) reported experiencing violence by clients and the NPP, respectively. In multivariable analysis, after adjusting for social and environmental factors, the odds of ICU by occasional clients were significantly higher for women who had experienced client violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-4.4). Similar results were found with repeat clients (AOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4-3.4). Nonpaying partner violence was not significantly associated with ICU by the NPP. In multivariable analysis, only being recently arrested remained significantly associated with experiencing client violence (AOR, 1.8; 95% CIs, 1.0-3.3). CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study provide evidence of a relationship between experiencing client violence and ICU by occasional and repeat clients, and a relationship between being arrested and client violence. Comprehensive structural/policy programming for FSWs, including within HIV-focused prevention programs, is urgently needed to help reduce FSWs' vulnerability to violence Language: en

Description of the Problem: The National Rural Health Mission (NHRM) aims to increase the uptake of safe institutional delivery among rural communities in Karnataka. Previous studies in India have found that while there has been increasing numbers of institutional deliveries, those who had lower socio-economic status, scheduled caste, less education or media exposure were less likely to use hospitals for delivery. The few studies on quality of care have found a more consistently positive perception and experience at private hospitals. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors influencing choice of birthing site, specifically home, public and private hospitals, and the decision-making processes involved in the choice, in North Karnataka. Methods In the context of the Karnataka Heath Promotion Trust’s (KHPT) Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) program, 112 qualitative interviews were conducted among pregnant women, mothers of neonates (≤ 30 days), grandmothers and husbands in three north Karnataka districts: Bagalkot, Bellary and Gulbarga. Local residents with previous research experience were hired and trained to conduct the interviews. Interviews were completed between October and December, 2010. Interviews were conducted in local languages then translated to Kannada and English for analysis. Thematic analysis was undertaken in which codes were identified through review of transcripts and categories were created based on the codes. Comparative analysis was completed looking for similarities and differences in experiences, perceptions and decision-making by birthing site, participant type, district and sociodemographic characteristics. Ethics approval was obtained from St. John’s College, Bangalore and the University of Manitoba Human Research Ethics Board, Winnipeg, Canada. Main Findings Of the 112 participants just over half were below poverty line (54%), belonged to scheduled caste (42%), and uneducated (55%). A greater proportion of pregnant women and grandmothers were uneducated and below poverty than the new mothers and husbands. While some participants indicated that hospital delivery is becoming more favoured among the younger generation, others described many factors that dissuaded them from institutional delivery. First, some perceived or experienced poor quality of care and poorly equipped and unclean facilities, particularly at public hospitals. In addition, some participants reported having to pay for supplies and/or schemes at public hospitals. While private hospitals, in general, were seen as delivering high quality services some cited the high cost for private hospital delivery as prohibitive. Having a ‘normal’ delivery was highly valued among all participants, therefore many participants offered that the common practice of performing Caesarean sections and assisted deliveries at both public and private hospitals was a concern and factored into their decisions about delivery site. Practices associated with ‘normal’ birth, such as hot water, dietary preferences were more likely to be available at private versus public hospitals. However, some preferred practices that were available at home births were not available at either hospital type. Finally, though some received the benefits of incentive schemes or aid from ASHAs, many others did not. Discussion/Recommendations: The perceptions of respondents in this study, perhaps even more than actual experience, of poor quality of care and facilities at government institutions in North Karnataka appears to play a significant role in discouraging public institutional delivery. This indicates a need to address negative perceptions and actual quality of hospital care, particularly that of government hospitals in poor areas. In addition, views of institutional delivery may be improved by reducing the number of medically unnecessary C-sections, as well as ensuring consistent coverage by schemes and comprehensive outreach by ASHAs, especially for marginalized people. Otherwise, the benefits of interventions and schemes to promote hospital delivery will not effectively ensure improved maternal and neonatal health in rural Karnataka.

OBJECTIVES: There is a lack of information on sexual violence (SV) among men who have sex with men and transgendered individuals (MSM-T) in southern India. As SV has been associated with HIV vulnerability, this study examined health related behaviours and practices associated with SV among MSM-T. DESIGN: Data were from cross-sectional surveys from four districts in Karnataka, India. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine factors related to SV. Multivariable negative binomial regression models examined the association between physician visits and SV. RESULTS: A total of 543 MSM-T were included in the study. Prevalence of SV was 18% in the past year. HIV prevalence among those reporting SV was 20%, compared to 12% among those not reporting SV (p = .104). In multivariable models, and among sex workers, those reporting SV were more likely to report anal sex with 5+ casual sex partners in the past week (AOR: 4.1; 95%CI: 1.2-14.3, p = .029). Increased physician visits among those reporting SV was reported only for those involved in sex work (ARR: 1.7; 95%CI: 1.1-2.7, p = .012). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate high levels of SV among MSM-T populations, highlighting the importance of integrating interventions to reduce violence as part of HIV prevention programs and health services. Language: en

Background Violence against female sex workers (FSWs) can impede HIV prevention efforts and contravenes their human rights. We developed a multi-layered violence intervention targeting policy makers, secondary stakeholders (police, lawyers, media), and primary stakeholders (FSWs), as part of wider HIV prevention programming involving >60,000 FSWs in Karnataka state. This study examined if violence against FSWs is associated with reduced condom use and increased STI/HIV risk, and if addressing violence against FSWs within a large-scale HIV prevention program can reduce levels of violence against them. Methods FSWs were randomly selected to participate in polling booth surveys (PBS 2006-2008; short behavioural questionnaires administered anonymously) and integrated behavioural-biological assessments (IBBAs 2005-2009; administered face-to-face). Results 3,852 FSWs participated in the IBBAs and 7,638 FSWs participated in the PBS. Overall, 11.0% of FSWs in the IBBAs and 26.4% of FSWs in the PBS reported being beaten or raped in the past year. FSWs who reported violence in the past year were significantly less likely to report condom use with clients (zero unprotected sex acts in previous month, 55.4% vs. 75.5%, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.3 to 0.5, p < 0.001); to have accessed the HIV intervention program (ever contacted by peer educator, 84.9% vs. 89.6%, AOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.0, p = 0.04); or to have ever visited the project sexual health clinic (59.0% vs. 68.1%, AOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.0, p = 0.02); and were significantly more likely to be infected with gonorrhea (5.0% vs. 2.6%, AOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.3, p = 0.02). By the follow-up surveys, significant reductions were seen in the proportions of FSWs reporting violence compared with baseline (IBBA 13.0% vs. 9.0%, AOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5 to 0.9 p = 0.01; PBS 27.3% vs. 18.9%, crude OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.4 to 0.5, p < 0.001). Conclusions This program demonstrates that a structural approach to addressing violence can be effectively delivered at scale. Addressing violence against FSWs is important for the success of HIV prevention programs, and for protecting their basic human rights.

Background Global reports suggest that interpersonal violence experienced by female sex workers (FSWs), including occupational violence (eg, by clients, CLViol) and intimate partner violence (IPViol) may be important structural determinants of vulnerability to HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study characterised the type and frequency of CLViol and IPViol experienced by FSWs in southern India and examined the relationship between client violence and inconsistent condom use (ICU) with clients. Methods Data were analysed from cross-sectional surveys of FSWs in three districts in Karnataka state (2007). ICU was defined as condom use frequency reported as 9never/sometimes/often9 vs ‘always’, by repeat and occasional clients. CLViol and IPViol measures included having experienced physical violence in the past 6 months (ie, hurt, hit, kicked, punched, choked, burned) or sexual violence in the past year (ie, beaten or otherwise physically forced to have sexual intercourse). Results Of our sample of 1245 FSWs, ICU was 13.0% with occasional and 20.2% with repeat clients. Overall, 13.1% of women reported physical violence from any perpetrator (CLViol: 5.5%; IPViol: 4.6%) and 9.7% reported sexual violence (CLViol: 5.2%; IPViol: 4.4%). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the odds of ICU with occasional clients were significantly higher for women who had experienced physical CLViol (adjusted OR (AOR): 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2% to 4.8%) or sexual CLViol (AOR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.3% to 5.5%). Similar results were found with repeat clients: AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4% to 4.6% and AOR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3% to 4.2%, for physical and sexual violence respectively. A dose-response relationship between the number of times experiencing CLViol and increased ICU with both types of clients was also observed (p Discussion A strong independent relationship between experiencing client violence and inconsistent condom use with clients among FSWs in southern India was observed, highlighting FSWs9 vulnerability to HIV/STI infection. Occupational violence against FSWs should be addressed within HIV/STI prevention programming. Structural-legal reforms to current sex work laws and safer-environment interventions should be developed to reduce violence and HIV/STI vulnerability among FSWs.

Introduction Sexual violence (SV) has been associated globally with vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in marginalised populations. There is little information on SV among men who have sex with men and transgendered individuals (MSM-T) in South Asia. Societal sanctions resulting in stigma and discrimination may place MSM-T at especially high risk for both SV and HIV/STIs. We investigated factors associated with SV among MSM-T, and the relationship between health care utilisation patterns and reported SV. Methods Data were obtained from cross-sectional surveys in four districts in Karnataka state, south India. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to examine factors related to SV. Multivariable negative binomial regression models examined the association between physician visits and SV. Normalised weights were used to account for a complex sampling design. Results The total sample size was 543. The prevalence of SV in the past year was 18%, with a range by district of 12%–31%. HIV prevalence among those reporting SV was 20%, compared to 12% among those not reporting SV. In a multivariable model, among those reporting sex work involvement, having anal sex with five or more casual sex partners in the past week was associated with SV (AOR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.2% to 14.3%, p=0.03). Of those not reporting sex work, feminised sexual identities (AOR: 6.10; 95% CI: 1.3% to 28.8%, p=0.03) and younger age (AOR: 0.9; 95% CI: 0.9% to 1.0%, p=0.002) were associated with SV. There was no significant association between numbers of partners and SV among those not reporting sex work. Increased physician visits among those reporting SV was reported only for those involved in sex work (AOR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1% to 2.7%, p=0.01). Conclusions There was a trend towards higher HIV prevalence overall among MSM-T reporting sexual violence, as well higher HIV prevalence among important sub-groups experiencing SV. These findings highlight the importance of integrating programs to address sexual violence into STI/HIV prevention programs among MSM-T, and of understanding that there is considerable contextual heterogeneity in vulnerability to violence in this population. The demonstrated higher rates of physician utilisation by male sex workers who report sexual violence suggests an important point of contact for a population which may otherwise be quite hidden.

Background Structural factors are known to affect individual risk and vulnerability to HIV. In the context of an HIV prevention programme for over 60,000 female sex workers (FSWs) in south India, we developed structural interventions involving policy makers, secondary stakeholders (police, government officials, lawyers, media) and primary stakeholders (FSWs themselves). The purpose of the interventions was to address context-specific factors (social inequity, violence and harassment, and stigma and discrimination) contributing to HIV vulnerability. We advocated with government authorities for HIV/AIDS as an economic, social and developmental issue, and solicited political leadership to embed HIV/AIDS issues throughout governmental programmes. We mobilised FSWs and appraised them of their legal rights, and worked with FSWs and people with HIV/AIDS to implement sensitization and awareness training for more than 175 government officials, 13,500 police and 950 journalists. Methods Standardised, routine programme monitoring indicators on service provision, service uptake, and community activities were collected monthly from 18 districts in Karnataka between 2007 and 2009. Daily tracking of news articles concerning HIV/AIDS and FSWs was undertaken manually in selected districts between 2005 and 2008. Results The HIV prevention programme is now operating at scale, with over 60,000 FSWs regularly contacted by peer educators, and over 17,000 FSWs accessing project services for sexually transmitted infections monthly. FSW membership in community-based organisations has increased from 8,000 to 37,000, and over 46,000 FSWs have now been referred for government-sponsored social entitlements. FSWs were supported to redress > 90% of the 4,600 reported incidents of violence and harassment reported between 2007-2009, and monitoring of news stories has shown a 50% increase in the number of positive media reports on HIV/AIDS and FSWs. Conclusions Stigma, discrimination, violence, harassment and social equity issues are critical concerns of FSWs. This report demonstrates that it is possible to address these broader structural factors as part of large-scale HIV prevention programming. Although assessing the impact of the various components of a structural intervention on reducing HIV vulnerability is difficult, addressing the broader structural factors contributing to FSW vulnerability is critical to enable these vulnerable women to become sufficiently empowered to adopt the safer sexual behaviours which are required to respond effectively to the HIV epidemic.

Engaging the community in planning and monitoring of health service delivery is central to enhancing the availability, accessibility, quality, and use of the public health system. The National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) has positioned community ownership as central to its strategy, primarily through the Village Health and Sanitation Committee (VHSC). The VHSCs are village-level bodies comprised of key stakeholders in a village and serve as a forum for village planning and monitoring. VHSCs were formed (1) to ensure that no section of the village community is excluded from services, (2) to prepare a village health plan to suit local realities and necessities, (3) to provide monitoring and oversight to all village health activities; and (4) to ensure that untied funds are appropriately used for improving maternal and neonatal health in the village. There have been few efforts in the health sector that effectively evaluated the relevance and need of community participation to improve health at the village level. The Karnataka Health Promotion Trust (KHPT) carried out a 2-year capacity-building project to strengthen VHSCs in Bagalkot and Koppal districts during 2009-2011 and attempted an evaluation of project outcomes.