Malawi (2010): TRaC study measuring [Concurrent Partnership and Condom use ] among vendors,plantation workers and the fishing community in Malawi study design

In March 2009, PSI/Malawi initiated a five-year Evidence Based Targeted HIV Prevention (EBT Prev) project designed to reduce the incidence of HIV in Malawi. In order to generate the evidence base to inform the development and roll-out of this project, PSI/Malawi is conducting an extensive research program in conjunction with the Centre for Social Research (CSR). The primary phase of this program was to undertake Steps 2 and 3 of the PLACE methodology (MEASURE Evaluation) to identify venues where target group members meet new sexual partners. This phase was conducted during May-November 2009. The second phase of the research program will be to undertake a baseline TRaC (Tracking Results Continuously) survey to identify key behavioral determinates correlated with safe and unsafe sexual practices. This TRaC survey will be conducted with three target populations previously determined to be at high risk for HIV/AIDS transmission: Fishermen/Women , Vendors (male & female) and Plantation Workers (male & female), all aged 20-49 years. Specifically, the TRaC objectives will be to define and monitor indicators for the target populations that reflect their Opportunity, Ability, and Motivation (OAM) to (1) a reduction of concurrent sexual partners, and (2) correct and consistent condom use. The TRaC survey will be conducted by trained interviewers administering written questioners to participants that meet the inclusion criteria and have consented to partici pate. The data gathered from the survey will be used to inform program intervention activities and establish a baseline for monitoring purposes. Two monitoring TRaC studies using the same indicators will be conducted in 2012 and 2014. Data from these monitoring TRaCs, when compared to the baseline, will provide an indicator of th e impact of intervention activities. Once the findings of the each TRaC survey have been compiled into a final written report, they will be disseminated at both local and national levels via publications, planned workshops and meetings.