Effectiveness of targeted intervention program under the national AIDS control program among Hijra and transgender population: Evidence from Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance, 2014-15.

This article evaluates the effectiveness of the Targeted Intervention (TI) program under India's National AIDS Control Program in reducing HIV risk behaviors among the hijra and transgender (H/TG) population, using data from the 2014–15 National Integrated Biological and Behavioral Survey (IBBS). The study found that H/TG individuals who received condoms and related services from peer educators or outreach workers were significantly more likely to use condoms during their last sexual intercourse and consistently over the past month, with condom use increasing by approximately 13% and consistent use by 5% among recipients. Propensity Score Matching was employed to control for confounding factors, simulating a randomized controlled trial design. Despite limitations such as the age of the data and potential biases inherent in self-reported behaviors, the findings suggest that the TI program effectively promotes safer sexual practices in this vulnerable population, providing a basis for future program improvements and monitoring.