Using digital communication technology fails to improve longitudinal evaluation of an HIV prevention program aimed at Indian truck drivers and cleaners

AIDS Behav. 2012 Jul;16(5):1359-63. doi: 10.1007/s10461-011-0060-6.

Abstract

HIV prevention programs for truck drivers and cleaners (TDC) in India are limited. Longitudinal follow-up presents an obstacle to program effectiveness evaluation. We asked 3,028 TDC in a truck-driver HIV prevention program in Hyderabad to leave a cellular telephone number; we contacted participants 6 months after the intervention to assess sexual risk behavior change. Married, older, and better educated participants were more likely to leave phone numbers. Only 6.5% of TDC were reachable after 6 months. Longitudinal follow-up of this mobile sub-population remains a challenge, and more effective methods for evaluating HIV prevention programs are needed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Automobile Driving*
  • Cell Phone
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Household Work*
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Motor Vehicles*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Program Evaluation
  • Sexual Behavior / psychology*
  • Treatment Failure
  • Young Adult