HIV
Conditions
Brief summary
This intervention focuses on increasing HIV testing, HIV medication adherence and reducing intersectional stigma. Our Sweekar intervention will implement 5 months of group-based activities to address the social stigma and HIV prevention and care needs.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALSweekar intervention
The HIV prevention components focus on HIV education and use of HIV self-testing kits to increase frequency of HIV testing. The HIV care component is information and linkage to HIV treatment information and adherence support.
Sponsors
Public Health Foundation Enterprises, Inc.
Fogarty International Center of the National Institute of Health
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. aged 18 years old or older 2. identify as transgender, hijra, Meti, third gender or anything other than a gender typically associated with a male assigned sex at birth 3. live in the Terai highway district Madesh Province 4. Maithili- or Nepali-speaking 5. Willing to be part of the study for 6 months 6. Willing to travel, if needed, to participate in group sessions For those who test HIV negative: 1. Willing to self-test 2. Have or willing to have a mobile phone 3. Not HIV tested within the last 3 months For those who test HIV positive: (a) screen positive for HIV treatment non-adherence by self-report
Exclusion criteria
1. Cannot or will not consent to the research, 2. Female sex assigned at birth, 3. Self-identify as a man 4. Do not speak Maithli or Nepali 5. Age under 18 -
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HIV testing Self-testing kits | At baseline and at 3 months | Number of HIV self tests kits used at home or at a hospital or clinic |
| HIV testing frequency | Baseline, 3 months and 6 months | HIV testing; Number of times received HIV testing using clinic or resources that is not HIV self-testing kits |
| HIV treatment engagement | At baseline, 3 months and 6 months | Self-reported Wilson's Medication Scale to assess adherence patterns. |
Countries
Nepal
Outcome results
None listed