Context and dynamics of male-to-male sexual behavior of truckers in India: Findings from a multi-site qualitative research study

It is well established that truckers (drivers and helpers) have higher rates of nonmarital sex than any other occupational group. Because of this multipartner sexual activity, truckers form a key group for HIV/STI prevention efforts. Thus far, HIV/STI prevention interventions for truckers have been geared to providing risk-reduction information and services within a heterosexual context. Recent evidence suggests that a large number of truckers engage in male-to-male (MSM) sexual activity that has serious implications for HIV/STI transmission. Therefore, information on the nature and extent of MSM activity among these populations is urgently needed for the design and implementation of comprehensive prevention programs. The Transport Corporation of India Foundation (TCIF) is implementing Project Kavach to reduce HIV/STI vulnerability in 1.5 million truckers and their partners. To design appropriate HIV/STI preventive strategies, TCIF requested that the Population Council undertake an exploratory study to fill in the gaps in the existing knowledge about the sexual behavior of truckers. As noted in this brief, this project’s main intervention is the provision of syndromic treatment for STIs and behavioral- change communication messages through Khushi Clinics at selected halt points

Context and dynamics of same-sex behavior among long-distance truckers in India: Findings from qualitative research

It is well established that truckers (drivers and helpers) have higher rates of nonmarital sex than any other occupational group. Because of this multipartner sexual activity, truckers form a key group of prevention efforts for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Thus far, HIV/STI prevention interventions for truckers have been geared to providing risk-reduction information and services within a heterosexual context. Recent evidence suggests that a significant number of truckers engage in male-to-male (MSM) sexual activity that has implications for HIV/STI transmission. Therefore, information on the nature and extent of MSM activity among these populations is urgently needed for the design and implementation of comprehensive prevention programs. The Transport Corporation of India Foundation (TCIF) is implementing Project Kavach to reduce HIV/STI vulnerability among 1.5 million truckers and their partners. TCIF collaborated with the Population Council to undertake an exploratory study to understand the dynamics of same sexual behavior among truckers. As stated in this report, evidence from this research will guide TCIF in designing appropriate program strategy and activities to provide comprehensive HIV/STI prevention services to their key population of truckers

The fourth-generation Calcium channel blocker: Cilnidipine

Several classes of antihypertensive agents have been in clinical use, including diuretics, α-blockers, β-blockers, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARB), and organic calcium channel blockers (CCBs). All these drugs are being currently used in the treatment of Hypertension & various disease conditions of the heart either alone or in combination. Cilnidipine is a new antihypertensive drug distinguished from other L-type Ca2+ channel blockers or even other antihypertensives, which will be useful for selection of antihypertensive drugs according to the pathophysiological condition of a patient