Impact of Intervention Program on Sexual Behavior, HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections among Self-Identified Men Who Have Sex with Men in Select Districts of Andhra Pradesh, India

The study aimed to assess the impact of Avahan intervention program on risk behaviors. Knowledge of HIV/STIs and their prevalence among self-identified men who have sex with men (MSM) in four select districts of Andhra Pradesh, India, covers about 1600 respondents in each of the two rounds. The response rates of MSM in R1 and R2 were about 70%. Higher numbers of MSM in R2 had literacy level of ≥10th class, were either students, self-employed/business men and belonged to 20 - 24 years. Higher proportion of MSM in R2 reportedly had knowledge of HIV and its prevention, at least two signs/symptoms of STIs in men. Significantly higher numbers of MSM in R2 were exposed to programme interventions and consistent condom users. HIV prevalence declined significantly in one district, increased in one and remained similar in two districts. The prevalence of STIs decreased significantly in two districts, while remained similar in the other.