1. Assessing the reasons for Loss to follow Up (LTFU) among People Living with HIV in Meghalaya – A Mixed Method Study
Project Background:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that compromises the body’s immune system. The most severe stage of this disease is known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV attacks white blood cells, weakening the immune system and making the body more susceptible to illnesses such as tuberculosis, various infections, and some cancers. The virus is transmitted through the body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids, but it cannot be spread through kisses, hugs, or sharing food. HIV can also be passed from mother to child. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective in treating and preventing HIV. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) entails taking a daily combination of HIV medications. Although ART cannot cure HIV, it can manage the virus, enabling people with HIV to live longer, healthier lives and decreasing the likelihood of transmitting the virus to others (2). Since 2016, the World Health Organization has recommended that everyone living with HIV, including children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant or breastfeeding women, receive lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) regardless of their clinical status or CD4 cell count
Study Objectives:
- To identify the demographic, social, and clinical characteristics associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU) among the people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Meghalaya
- To determine the reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU) as reported by the PLHIV
- To document the experiences and perspectives of PLHIV and service providers regarding the reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU) among the people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Meghalaya
- To suggest strategies to improve retention in HIV care based on the identified reasons for loss to follow-up (LTFU)
PI: Dr Melari Shisha Nongrum, Associate Professor, IIPHS.
Co-PI: Carinthia Balabet Nengnong, Research Officer, IIPHS.
Funding Agencies: National AIDS Control Organization, New Delhi
Year: 2023 -2024
2. Knowledge, Attitude and, Practices regarding HIV/AIDS, injecting drugs and sexual practices among truckers and allied population in East Jaiñtia Hills of Meghalaya
Project Background:
Truck drivers are considered to be at risk of a sexually promiscuous lifestyle and higher susceptibility to HIV/ STI infection. Truck drivers and helpers (truckers) are known to be at an increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in India with about 5-6 million truck drivers and helpers in India, of whom approximately 3.5 million are long-distance truckers. At the population level, truckers are 2-5 times more likely to be HIV-infected than men in other professions.
According to some studies, the sources of HIV/AIDS knowledge include television, banners/posters, newspapers, doctors, and radio. This suggests that mass media platforms play a significant role in disseminating information about HIV/AIDS.
The extant literature on truckers from India has focused mostly on the prevalence and risk factors of HIV transmission with no studies being conducted with these risk groups in Meghalaya. The study aims to assess the knowledge, practices, and attitudes of vulnerable groups in Meghalaya. According to the Meghalaya AIDS Control Society, East Jaiñtia Hills District is considered a high-risk district with respect to HIV/AIDS as the prevalence of injecting drug users and also PLHA is high.
Project Objectives:
- To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding HIV /AIDS and injecting drugs among truckers and allied populations.
- To examine the knowledge, attitude and sexual practices among truckers and allied population
PI: Dr Melari Shisha Nongrum, Associate Professor, IIPHS.
Co-PI: Carinthia Balabet Nengnong, Research Officer, IIPHS.
Funding Agencies: National AIDS Control Organization, New Delhi
Year: 2023