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Published in: Trials 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Study protocol

Microfinance for women at high risk for HIV in Kazakhstan: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial

Authors: Tara McCrimmon, Susan Witte, Gaukhar Mergenova, Assel Terlikbayeva, Sholpan Primbetova, Azamat Kuskulov, Scarlett L. Bellamy, Nabila El-Bassel

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Among women at high risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), gender and economic issues limit the impact of behavioral prevention strategies. Women in Kazakhstan with dual risks of sex trading and drug use face elevated risk for HIV and STIs and may benefit from an economic empowerment intervention which combines HIV-risk reduction (HIVRR) education with financial skills-building and asset-building to promote reduced reliance on sex trading for income.

Methods/design

The study employs a two-arm, cluster-randomized controlled trial (c-RCT) design. We will use cluster randomization to assign 350 women in approximately 50 cohorts to a traditional four-session HIV-risk-reduction intervention combined with a six-session financial literacy intervention, enrollment in a 24-session vocational training program and receipt of matched savings (HIVRR+MF); or to the four-session HIV-risk-reduction intervention alone (HIVRR). Repeated behavioral and biological assessments will be conducted at baseline, then at 6, 9, and 15 months post randomization/session 1.

Discussion

This study responds to an identified need in the academic literature for rigorous testing of structural interventions, including combination microfinance and HIV-prevention interventions.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02406482. Registered on 30 March 2015.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Microfinance for women at high risk for HIV in Kazakhstan: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors
Tara McCrimmon
Susan Witte
Gaukhar Mergenova
Assel Terlikbayeva
Sholpan Primbetova
Azamat Kuskulov
Scarlett L. Bellamy
Nabila El-Bassel
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-018-2566-y

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