Search

One of the most important yet onerous tasks in the academic peer-reviewing process is composing meta-reviews, which involves understanding the core contributions, strengths, and weaknesses of a scholarly manuscript based on peer-review narratives from multiple experts and then summarizing those multiple experts' perspectives into a concise holistic overview. Given the latest major developments in generative AI, especially Large Language Models (LLMs), it is very compelling to rigorously study the utility of LLMs in generating such meta-reviews in an academic peer-review setting. In this paper, we perform a case study with three popular LLMs, i.e., GPT-3.5, LLaMA2, and PaLM2, to automatically generate meta-reviews by prompting them with different types/levels of prompts based on the recently proposed TELeR taxonomy. Finally, we perform a detailed qualitative study of the meta-reviews generated by the LLMs and summarize our findings and recommendations for prompting LLMs for this complex task.

RNA viruses continue to remain a threat for potential pandemics due to their rapid evolution. Potentiating host antiviral pathways to prevent or limit viral infections is a promising strategy. Thus, by testing a library of innate immune agonists targeting pathogen recognition receptors, we observe that Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3), stimulator of interferon genes (STING), TLR8, and Dectin-1 ligands inhibit arboviruses, Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), West Nile virus, and Zika virus to varying degrees. STING agonists (cAIMP, diABZI, and 2',3'-cGAMP) and Dectin-1 agonist scleroglucan demonstrate the most potent, broad-spectrum antiviral function. Furthermore, STING agonists inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and enterovirus-D68 (EV-D68) infection in cardiomyocytes. Transcriptome analysis reveals that cAIMP treatment rescue cells from CHIKV-induced dysregulation of cell repair, immune, and metabolic pathways. In addition, cAIMP provides protection against CHIKV in a chronic CHIKV-arthritis mouse model. Our study describes innate immune signaling circuits crucial for RNA virus replication and identifies broad-spectrum antivirals effective against multiple families of pandemic potential RNA viruses.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable disease caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is the leading cause of death by a single infectious agent overall. According to the WHO Global TB Report, India contributes to 26% of the global burden of TB. Currently, a four-drug regimen comprising Rifampicin, Isoniazid, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol is approved for the treatment of drug-sensitive TB. The management of cutaneous adverse drug reactions to anti-tubercular drugs is akin to a double-edged sword, with discontinuation of ATT increasing the risk of developing disseminated and drug-resistant tuberculosis, and continuation leading to persistence or exacerbation of the adverse drug reaction (ADR). The risk of developing an ADR to anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) varies from 8 to 85% in various studies [10]. The prevalence of rashes associated with ATT shows that the maculopapular rash (42.5%) is the most frequently observed type, followed by urticarial, lichenoid, DRESS, AGEP, and exfoliative dermatitis (17). The drugs associated with Cutaneous ADRs from the lowest to the highest risk are Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, Ethionamide, Cycloserine, Ethambutol, Para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), and Streptomycin (25). We present a case and approach to the re-introduction of first-line anti-tubercular drugs after hypersensitivity with fixed-dose combinations. Keywords: Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, adverse drug reaction, anti-tubercular therapy

HIV stigma takes a multidimensional toll on a mother's ability to care for herself and subsequently may impact her ability to care for her child, particularly when mother and child are seroconcordant. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted to examine the association between maternal HIV stigma and child CD4 count in rural India. We assessed 108 mother-child dyads and found that a one-unit increase in community stigma fear decreased child CD4 count by 352 cells (95% CI = - 603, - 102), highlighting the need to develop a better understanding of the consequences of HIV-related stigma on the compounded burden of care in households where mother and child both live with HIV.

Loss of lean muscle mass impairs immunity and increases mortality risk among individuals with HIV/AIDS. We evaluated the relative contributions of protein supplementation and nutrition education on body composition among 600 women living with HIV/AIDS in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled 2 × 2 factorial trial lasting six months with follow up at twelve and eighteen months. Interventions occurred in the Nellore and Prakasam regions of Andhra Pradesh by trained village women, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists), and included: (1) the usual supportive care from ASHA (UC); (2) UC plus nutrition education (NE); (3) UC plus nutritional protein supplementation (NS); (4) combined UC plus NE plus NS. A Bioimpedance Analyzer Model 310e measured body composition. SAS 9.4 analyzed all data. Mixed models using repeated measures evaluated lean mass change from baseline as primary and fat weight and total weight as secondary outcomes. Lean mass change was significantly associated with NS (p = 0.0001), NE (p = 0.0001), and combined NS plus NE (p = 0.0001), with similar associations for secondary outcomes. Stronger associations for total weight were observed with greater ART adherence. Nutritional interventions may improve physiologic response to HIV. Significant increases in lean mass resulted from independent and combined protein supplementation and nutrition education.

Global literature examining the association between mental health of women living with HIV (WLWH) and child development is scarce. In this study, we examined the relationship between mothers' mental health and their children's social development outcomes 6 months later. Data for these analyses come from several waves of interviews of 600 WLWH in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, India. These women were enrolled in a 2×2 factorial clinical trial designed to assess the impact of food supplementation and nutrition education, both in addition to ASHA support, on adherence to ART and improved health outcomes for the women and one of their children. They were assessed on food security, stigma, social support, quality of life, depressive symptoms and child development outcomes. Results of longitudinal GEE regression analysis indicate that mother's depressive symptoms were significantly negatively associated with child's social quotient 6 months later. These findings have important implications for targeted health interventions, integrating mental health, both for WLWH and their children in India.

Background and objectivesPeople living with HIV/AIDS are at an increased risk of developing cancer. The goals of this study were to obtain data on the prevalence of HIV in the cancer population and vice versa at a major tertiary cancer and HIV center in North India.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted over a 3-year period from July 2013 to June 2016, wherein successive HIV positive patients from an anti-retroviral therapy (ART) center were screened for malignancy. Simultaneously, successive cancer patients at the cancer center were screened for HIV. Baseline demographic details, risk factors, and laboratory investigations were obtained for all the patients.ResultsAmong the 999 HIV-positive patients at the ART center, the prevalence of malignancy was 2% (n=20; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13, 2.87). Among the 998 patients with a malignancy, the prevalence of HIV infection was 0.9% (n=9; 95% CI 0.31, 1.49). Weight loss, loss of appetite, and fever were the most common symptoms in patients with HIV and cancer. Among 29 patients with HIV and cancer, AIDS-defining cancer was found in 19 patients; non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was the most common malignancy reported (n=13).Interpretation and conclusionThere is a low prevalence of HIV in cancer patients as well as a low prevalence of cancer in HIV patients. AIDS-defining cancers remain much more common than non-AIDS-defining cancers. With the increased coverage of ART, it is expected that non-AIDSdefining cancers will increase, as is evident from data from more developed countries.

BackgroundMalnutrition is a common clinical concern among children in low-income communities affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We examined the effect of a community-based nutritional intervention on anthropometric and clinical outcomes of children of women living with HIV in rural India.MethodsWe assigned women living with HIV and their child (oldest 3-8 years) to 1 of 4 programs: (1) community-based HIV care program, (2) program 1 + nutrition education, (3) program 1 + food supplement, and (4) all elements of programs 1-3. Study data were collected at baseline and months 6, 12, and 18. We applied mixed-effects modeling with restricted maximum likelihood estimation to examine changes in weight (all children) and CD4+ T-cell counts (children with HIV only).ResultsOverall, 600 mother-child pairs were enrolled (150/group) with 100% retention at follow-up visits. Approximately 20% of children were living with HIV. Children in program 4 had higher weight gain than those in programs 1, 2, and 3 at all time points (adjusted P < .001). We found a higher increase in CD4+ T cells across all time points among participants in programs 3 and 4 compared with program 1 (adjusted P < .001). Factorial analysis suggested a synergistic effect of combining nutrition education and food supplements for weight gain but not for increase in CD4+ T cells.ConclusionsA combination of nutrition education and food supplements provided to women living with HIV significantly increased weight and CD4+ T cells, and such interventions can be integrated into HIV-care programs in low-income settings.

BackgroundThere is a scarcity of published data on the global prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea, a disorder associated with major neurocognitive and cardiovascular sequelae. We used publicly available data and contacted key opinion leaders to estimate the global prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea.MethodsWe searched PubMed and Embase to identify published studies reporting the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea based on objective testing methods. A conversion algorithm was created for studies that did not use the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) 2012 scoring criteria to identify obstructive sleep apnoea, allowing determination of an equivalent apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) for publications that used different criteria. The presence of symptoms was not specifically analysed because of scarce information about symptoms in the reference studies and population data. Prevalence estimates for obstructive sleep apnoea across studies using different diagnostic criteria were standardised with a newly developed algorithm. Countries without obstructive sleep apnoea prevalence data were matched to a similar country with available prevalence data; population similarity was based on the population body-mass index, race, and geographical proximity. The primary outcome was prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea based on AASM 2012 diagnostic criteria in individuals aged 30-69 years (as this age group generally had available data in the published studies and related to information from the UN for all countries).FindingsReliable prevalence data for obstructive sleep apnoea were available for 16 countries, from 17 studies. Using AASM 2012 diagnostic criteria and AHI threshold values of five or more events per h and 15 or more events per h, we estimated that 936 million (95% CI 903-970) adults aged 30-69 years (men and women) have mild to severe obstructive sleep apnoea and 425 million (399-450) adults aged 30-69 years have moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in low- and middle-income countries, and women living with HIV are at high risk for cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of cervical cancer and pre-cancer lesions and to examine cervical cancer knowledge among women living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. We conducted cytology-based screening and administered a standardized questionnaire among 598 HIV-infected women. We found 5 (0.8%), 39 (6.5%), 29 (4.9%), and 4 (0.7%) had atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), and squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC), respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, ASCUS/LSIL was independently associated with age >16 years old at first sexual encounter and smokeless tobacco use. We found no factors associated with HSIL/SCC. In total, 101 women (16.9%) had heard of cervical cancer and 28 (27.7%) of them correctly identified HIV infection as a risk factor. In light of the high prevalence of pre-cancer lesions and low level of cervical cancer knowledge in our study population, focused interventions are needed to improve cervical cancer literacy and prevention among rural women living with HIV.

BackgroundWomen living with HIV (WLH) in rural communities face challenges to obtaining treatment and accurate disease-related information. Nutritional deficits exacerbate disease progression.SettingWLH were recruited from primary health centers in rural India.MethodA quasi-experimental trial of a comprehensive Accredited Social Health Activist (Asha)-supported intervention compared 4 distinct Asha-based programs [(1) standard education (SE) alone; (2) nutrition education (+NE); (3) nutrition supplements (+NS); or (4) nutrition education and nutrition supplements (+NENS)] on key disease and nutrition-related outcomes [CD4 count, body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, and hemoglobin]. Assessments occurred at baseline, and months 6 (immediately after intervention), 12, and 18. Multilevel modeling examined effects of program (group) over time.FindingsAmong 600 WLH enrolled (n = 150 per arm), mean age, CD4 count, and BMI (kg/m) were 34.31, 447.42, and 20.09, respectively, at baseline. At 18-month follow-up, program 4 (+NENS) experienced greatest improvements in CD4 counts compared with program 1 (+SE) [adjusted difference = 223.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 170.29 to 277.32]. For BMI, programs 3 (+NS; adjusted difference = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.39 to 3.26) and 4 (+NENS; adjusted difference = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.17 to 3.12) exhibited greater gains compared with program 1 (+SE). Programs 3 and 4 were not significantly different from each other (adjusted difference = -0.18, 95% CI: -1.12 to 0.76). Hemoglobin and serum albumin also improved over time; program 4 (+NENS) exhibited the greatest gains.ConclusionsA low-cost Asha-supported behavioral and nutritional intervention improved outcomes for WLH. Gains were sustained at 18-month follow-up. Similar approaches may help improve HIV and other infectious disease-related outcomes in vulnerable populations.

Quality of life (QOL) is associated with better outcomes in HIV/AIDS populations. We explored predictors of improved QOL over time in 600 Women Living with HIV/AIDS (WLH/A) in India [mean age = 34.31, SD = 6.97], enrolled in a nurse-led-Asha (Accredited Social Health Activist) intervention. Trained local interviewers ascertained self-report data at baseline and six-month follow-up (post-intervention). Latent Class Analysis (LCA) identified constellations of responses on psychosocial indicators (depression, social support, internalized stigma and stigma fears); their relationship with QOL over time was examined. We identified three classes: Class 1) Highest Social Resources/Lowest Depression; Class 2) Some Social Resources/Highest Depression; and Class 3) Lowest Social Resources/Higher Depression. At baseline, Class 3 reported the lowest QOL (M = 0.25, SD = 0.26); Class 1 reported the highest (M = 0.37, SD = 0.33). Class 2's QOL did not differ from Class 3's QOL, likely due to the potent effects of high depression. At six-month follow-up, all groups reported improved QOL; class membership no longer predicted variability (contrast between Class 2 and 1 = -0.05, 95% CI = -0.14, 0.04; contrast between Class 3 and 1 = 0.01, 95% CI = -0.03, 0.05; contrast between Class 3 and 2 = 0.07, 95% CI = -0.02, 0.16). Psychosocial indicators are important predictors of QOL; an Asha-supported approach may have broad applicability to improve QOL in WLH/A in India.

Internalized HIV stigma can affect health outcomes, but the mechanism underlying this relationship is poorly understood. We investigated the potential pathways for the association between internalized stigma and opportunistic infections (OIs) among women living with HIV in rural India. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving in-person interviews with 600 participants. We modeled two outcome variables, total number of OIs and fungal dermatoses, which was the most frequently reported OI. Causal mediation analysis was performed to estimate the total effect, direct effect, and indirect effect through mediators while controlling for confounders. Food insecurity was a strong mediator of the association between internalized stigma and the number of OIs (70% of the total effect) and fungal dermatoses (83% of the total effect), while the indirect effect of stigma through adherence was minimal for both outcomes. Household food insecurity may be an important mediator of the impact of HIV-related stigma on opportunistic infections.

BackgroundSleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is common in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). SDB is associated with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and obesity, interplaying with metabolic derangements in the form of uremia, acidosis, and hypervolemia. Renal transplant has been observed to correct most of these metabolic derangements and to control progression of comorbidities. While SDB is highly prevalent among patients in the pretransplant stage, it remains to be seen whether the beneficial aspects of transplant are extended to improvement in SDB in patients with ESRD.MethodsEighteen patients undergoing thrice-weekly hemodialysis (HD) for ESRD at the transplant clinic of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, underwent detailed clinical, laboratory, and polysomnographic evaluation. The average number of apneas and hypopneas per hour of sleep, ie, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), was used to define the severity of sleep apnea. All patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) within 24 h of the last HD and after three months of living-donor transplant.ResultsOf 18 patients, there were 14 males and four females. The median age was 28 years (range 19-50 years). They had already spent a median period of six months (range 3-31 months) on HD before inclusion. The prevalence of SDB (AHI ≥ 5/h) was 44.4% (8/18) before transplant, which decreased to 5.6% (1/18) after transplant (p = 0.016). The oxygen desaturation index had a median value of 5.8 events/h (range 0.1-35.4) in the pretransplant stage, which decreased to 0 events/h (range 0-6.6) in the post-transplant stage (p = 0.035).ConclusionThere was a significant improvement in the prevalence and severity of SDB after transplant. Whether improvement in SDB is sustained on a long-term follow-up remains to be seen.

HIV stigma continues to be a barrier to physical and mental health among people living with HIV globally, especially in vulnerable populations. We examined how stigma is associated with health outcomes and quality of life among rural women living with HIV in South India (N = 600). Interviewer-administered measures assessed multiple dimensions of stigma, as well as loneliness, social support, ART adherence, time since diagnosis, and quality of life. Internalized stigma and a lack of social support were associated with a lower quality of life, while the association between internalized stigma and adherence was mediated by the use of stigma-avoidant coping strategies, suggesting that keeping one's diagnosis a secret may make it more difficult to take one's medications. These findings suggest that these women constitute a vulnerable population who need additional services to optimize their health and who might benefit from peer support interventions and stigma-reduction programs for family and community members.

Rural women living with HIV/AIDS (WLHA) in India experience challenges self-managing HIV/AIDS in their rural communities. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore factors influencing their care and antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence. Themes that emerged from the qualitative focus groups among WLHA (N = 24) in rural Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh, India, included: (1) coming to know about HIV and other health conditions, (2) experiences being on ART, (3) challenges maintaining a nutritious diet, (4) factors affecting health care access and quality, and (5) seeking support for a better future. Chronic disease self-management in rural locales is challenging, given the number of barriers which rural women experience on a daily basis. These findings suggest a need for individual- and structural-level supports that will aid in assisting rural WLHA to self-manage HIV/AIDS as a chronic illness.

We conducted a cross-sectional examination of the physical and psychological factors related to ART adherence among a sample of 400 women living with HIV/AIDS in rural India. Interviewer-administered measures assessed adherence, internalized stigma, depressive symptoms, quality of life, food insecurity, health history and sociodemographic information. CD4 counts were measured using blood collected at screening. Findings revealed that adherence to ART was generally low, with 94% of women taking 50% or less of prescribed medication in past month. Multivariate analyses showed a non-linear association between numbers of self-reported opportunistic infections (OIs) in past 6 months (p = 0.016) and adherence, with adherence decreasing with each additional OI for 0-5 OIs. For those reporting more than 5 OIs, the association reversed direction, with increasing OIs beyond 5 associated with greater adherence.

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of nurse-led Asha (Accredited Social Health Activist)-support behavioral and nutritional intervention among women living with HIV/AIDS (WLH/A) in rural India.DesignCluster randomized controlled trial.MethodsSixteen Primary Health Centers serving WLH/A in Andhra Pradesh were grouped into four regional clusters that were randomly allocated into one of four arms. All four groups included Asha-support and consisted of: Asha-support only (control group); nutrition education; nutrition supplementation; and the combination of supplementation and education. Differences between baseline and 6-month follow-up for key physiological outcomes (BMI, CD4 cell count) were analyzed using factorial mixed models that accounted for geographic clustering.ResultsAt 6 months, all groups improved CD4 cell count: Asha only [mean difference score (D) = 343.97, standard deviation (SD) = 106.94], nutrition education (D = 356.15, SD = 0.69), nutrition supplement (D = 469.66, SD = 116.0), and nutrition supplement and education (D = 530.82, SD = 128.56). In multivariable models, Asha-support and nutrition, and Asha-support and nutrition supplement interventions demonstrated independent significant improvements in CD4 cell count; the interaction term was significant [estimate = 529.9; 95% confidence interval (CI) 512.0, 547.8; P = 0.006]. BMI also increased for all groups: Asha only (D = 0.95, SD = 0.82), Asha and nutrition education (D = 1.28, SD = 0.53), Asha and nutrition supplement (D = 2.38, SD = 0.60), nutrition supplement, and nutrition supplement and education (D = 2.72, SD = 0.84). Nutrition supplementation and nutrition education demonstrated independent effects on BMI; the interaction term was not significant (estimate = 0.27; 95% CI = 2.5, 2.7; P = 0.80).ConclusionInterventions supported by community workers were efficacious at improving physiological outcomes and may be beneficial at meeting critical healthcare needs of vulnerable WLH/A in India.

A cross-sectional examination was conducted on quality of life (QOL) among women living with HIV (WLWH) in rural Andhra Pradesh, India. Baseline data were collected from 400 WLWH and their children. QOL was measured with 10 items from the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Findings revealed low QOL scores; on a scale from 0 to 3, the mean QOL score was 0.38 (SD = 0.30). Depression symptoms were reported by 25.5%, internalized stigma was high, and most reported little to no social support. Multivariable analysis revealed positive associations between QOL and CD4+ T cells (b = .0011, p = .021) and social support (b = .260, p < .0001), and a negative relationship between QOL and internalized stigma (b = -.232, p < .0001). Interventions focused on improving QOL for WLWH should incorporate strategies to improve social support and adherence to antiretroviral therapy, while mitigating internalized stigma.

In this study, focus groups were conducted with 16 rural Women Living with AIDS (WLA) from Andhra Pradesh, India who had previously participated in a clinical trial wherein 68 WLA were randomized into either an Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) - Life (AL) intervention or a Usual Care program. Findings are discussed in terms of: a) mental health issues, b) perceived stressors, c) individual resources for coping with mental health issues, and d) role of Asha support in coping with mental health issues. These findings highlight the salience of mental health issues in the lives of WLA and the role played by Asha in addressing some of these issues. The discussion section makes a case for increased emphasis on mental health care in future community-based interventions for this population.

BackgroundFor antiretroviral therapy (ART) naive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected adults suffering from tuberculosis (TB), there is uncertainty about the optimal time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) after starting antituberculosis treatment (ATT), in order to minimize mortality, HIV disease progression, and adverse events.MethodsIn a randomized, open label trial at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, eligible HIV positive individuals with a diagnosis of TB were randomly assigned to receive HAART after 2-4 or 8-12 weeks of starting ATT, and were followed for 12 months after HAART initiation. Participants received directly observed therapy short course (DOTS) for TB, and an antiretroviral regimen comprising stavudine or zidovudine, lamivudine, and efavirenz. Primary end points were death from any cause, and progression of HIV disease marked by failure of ART.FindingsA total of 150 patients with HIV and TB were initiated on HAART: 88 received it after 2-4 weeks (early ART) and 62 after 8-12 weeks (delayed ART) of starting ATT. There was no significant difference in mortality between the groups after the introduction of HAART. However, incidence of ART failure was 31% in delayed versus 16% in early ART arm (p = 0.045). Kaplan Meier disease progression free survival at 12 months was 79% for early versus 64% for the delayed ART arm (p = 0.05). Rates of adverse events were similar.InterpretationEarly initiation of HAART for patients with HIV and TB significantly decreases incidence of HIV disease progression and has good tolerability.Trial registrationCTRI/2011/12/002260

In this focus group study, we explored the experiences of 16 rural women living with AIDS (WLA) who participated in the Asha-Life (AL) intervention to gain an understanding of the environmental, psychosocial, and cultural impact of the AL on their lives. Four themes emerged among AL participants: (a) the importance of tangible support, (b) need for social support, (c) ongoing challenges to accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART), and (d) perspectives on future programs. Our research findings support the development of future programs targeting mother-child dyads which emphasize nutritional knowledge, while reducing barriers to receiving ART, and physical, emotional, and financial support.

The purpose of this descriptive study is to highlight the physical and mental health symptoms of 68 rural women living with AIDS (WLA) in India, their compliance to antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication, and barriers to accessing health care within the past 6 months. Physical and mental health status was obtained by self-report, administered by questionnaire and physician-determined clinical assessment, as well as selected objective parameters. Findings revealed that while rural WLA had been on antiretroviral therapy for just under 2 years, they self-reported a high prevalence of physical symptoms, and more than half reported high levels of depressive symptoms and major barriers to accessing health care. CD4 levels, body weight, and basal metabolic rate were also low. While the rural and urban WLA faced similar health care challenges, the demographic characteristics of the rural women may make them more vulnerable, as they are less adherent to ART and slimmer than their urban counterparts.

Rural women living with HIV/AIDS (WLA) in India face multifarious challenges which affect access to antiretroviral regimens and management of HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this pilot study, using cluster randomization, is to compare the effectiveness of the Asha-Life (AL) intervention, delivered by HIV-trained village women, Asha (Accredited Social Health Activists), with a usual care group on reduction of internalized stigma and avoidant coping among 68 WLA in rural India over a 6-month period. The findings demonstrated that participation in the AL intervention was associated with significant reductions in internalized stigma and the use of avoidant coping strategies at follow-up. The findings of our study are promising in terms of the role rural village women (Asha) may play in reducing internalized stigma and avoidant coping in the lives of rural WLA in India.

AIDS-related stigma has received increasing attention in the literature; however, little is known about the devastating impact it has on rural women living with AIDS (WLA) in India. This cross-sectional study (N = 68), analyzed from complete baseline data, identified a number of correlates of stigma among rural WLA in South India. Structured instruments were used to capture sociodemographic history, stigma, knowledge of HIV, depressive symptoms along with the recording of CD4 data. A higher level of felt stigma and more AIDS symptoms were related to avoidant coping, while fewer adherence strategies and lower support for antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence were also associated with avoidant coping. These findings promote the need for support and resources for rural Indian WLA.

Body composition in HIV-infected individuals is subject to many influences. We conducted a pilot 6-month randomized trial of 68 women living with AIDS (WLA) from rural India. High protein intervention combined with education and supportive care delivered by HIV-trained village women (activated social health activist [Asha] life [AL]) was compared to standard protein with usual care delivered by village community assistants (usual care [UC]). Measurements included CD4 counts, ART adherence, socio-demographics, disease characteristics (questionnaires); and anthropometry (bioimpedance analyzer). Repeated measures analysis of variance modeled associations. AL significantly gained in BMI, muscle mass, fat mass, ART adherence, and CD4 counts compared to UC, with higher weight and muscle mass gains among ART adherent (≥66%) participants who had healthier immunity (CD4 ≥450). BMI of WLA improved through high protein supplementation combined with education and supportive care. Future research is needed to determine which intervention aspect was most responsible.

In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, correlates of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) were assessed using a baseline questionnaire among 68 rural women living with AIDS (WLA) in India. Unadjusted analyses revealed positive relationships of ART adherence with Hindu religion, and support from spouses and parents, whereas negative associations were found with depression, poor quality of life, and having ten or more HIV symptoms. Multiple linear regression analysis also revealed that WLA who were Hindu, not depressed, had ART support from spouses and parents, and perceived some benefit from ART were more adherent to ART than their respective counterparts. This study reveals the unique challenges which rural WLA experience and the need to mitigate these challenges early in ART treatment. Further, the findings enable the refinement of an intervention program which will focus on strengthening ART adherence among rural WLA.

Researchers explored the barriers to AIDS care for rural women living with AIDS, and they investigated alternative delivery models to increase the women's adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Community-based participatory research focus groups were conducted by the researchers with a convenience sample of 39 women living with AIDS from a primary health center (PHC) near Chennai, India, and with nurses, physicians, and Accredited Social Health Activists (Ashas), who are lay health care workers. The most prevalent barriers expressed by the women were sickness-related, psychological, financial issues with childcare, and distance, or transportation to the site. Women living with AIDS reviewed Ashas favorably.

A community-based participatory research study was conducted using focus groups with 39 women living with AIDS (WLA) in the rural setting of Andhra Pradesh, India. In addition, three nurses, two physicians, and five reproductive health accredited social health activists (ASHAs) took part in focus groups. The WLA offered insight into the benefits of HIV-trained ASHAs including emotional support, assistance with travel to health care providers and antiretroviral therapy medication adherence. Health care providers also identified benefits of using HIV-trained ASHAs and suggested modalities for how to train these individuals. These findings will contribute to the design of a future program of care involving HIV-trained ASHAs.