People living with HIV and key populations in Arunachal Pradesh: A communication needs assessment

Background and objectives Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh has the highest number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive recorded cases. A communication needs assessment for people living with HIV (PLHIV) as well as key populations (KPs) is a necessity to understand health status, needs, and issues relating to HIV. This study was undertaken to describe the demographic characteristics of PLHIV and KPs and to identify their communication needs/preferences for HIV services in Arunachal Pradesh. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among PLHIV and KPs of Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh. A total of 80 PLHIV could be traced; the ratio of PLHIV and KPs was decided to be 1: 4 thus including 342 individuals of KP. Participants were selected using the snowball sampling technique. Both primary (using predesigned and pretested schedules) and secondary data (from government official records) were collected for the study. Results Total of 62 (77.5%) of PLHIV were in the age group of 18-28 y. About 37 (46%) PLHIV preferred face to face channel for communication. The most preferred channel of communication with healthcare providers among injecting drug users (IDUs), female sex workers (FSWs), and men who have sex with men (MSMs) was face-to-face communication. Only 20 (25%) of the participants were receiving treatment for HIV infection. All FSWs, 55 MSMs (87.3%) and 36 IDUs (51.4%) had never received any messages regarding HIV self-testing (HIVST) services. Interpretation and conclusions Persistent behavioral risks and suboptimal use of HIV prevention and treatment services were observed among PLHIV and key populations. Strengthening confidential, interpersonal counselling and awareness through preferred communication channels may improve HIV prevention and care outcomes.