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International |
1. Mobilizing for a Research Revolution to Ensure LGBTIQ Inclusion in Asia: A High-impact, Transformative International Partnership (MFARR-Asia)
(Project period: April 1, 2019 – Mar 31, 2026):
The Humsafar Trust in Mumbai, in collaboration with C-SHaRP, is implementing a research project in India titled ‘MFARR-Asia’ to fill critical gaps in research and data on LGBTQ+ inclusion and human rights through rigorous, community-based, transformative research.
India Principal Investigator (PI):
Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD, PhD
International PI:
Dr. Peter A Newman, University of Toronto, Canada
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2. Effect of an eHealth intervention on COVID-19 knowledge, behaviours, and mental wellness of LGBTQ+ people: #SafeHandsSafeHearts randomized trial
IDRC Project (Project period: July 1, 2020 – Aug 31, 2022):
The Humsafar Trust in Mumbai, collaborates with C-SHaRP in implementing this project that aims to adapt, test, and disseminate a community-engaged eHealth intervention to reduce COVID-19 infection risk and psychological distress among LGBTQ+ people in Canada, India, and Thailand.
India Principal Investigator (PI):
Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD, PhD
International PI:
Dr. Peter A Newman, University of Toronto, Canada
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National |
1. Reducing discrimination faced by MSM and Transgender Women in public hospitals: A multi-level pilot intervention using a quasi-experimental design (Project period: October 1, 2020 – September 30, 2022):
With support from National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), C-SHaRP, in collaboration with TISS and the Institute of Community Medicine in MMC, is implementing a multi-site research project. This study aims at developing, implementing, and assessing theory-based pilot multi-level intervention to reduce stigma and discrimination faced by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in public health care settings in two Indian cities.
Principal Investigator (PI):
Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD, PhD
Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP)
Co-PIs/Co-Is:
Dr. Ketki Ranade and Dr. Smitha Nair, TISS
Dr. Sudharshini Subramaniam, MMC |
2. Reducing Health Inequalities among Sexual Minorities in India: Generating Evidence for Action: (Project period: April 1, 2017 – December 31, 2022):
Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani is a recipient of DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance (IA) senior fellowship since April 2017. Through his fellowship, currently hosted by the Humsafar Trust, he is conducting multi-site research projects in India that aims to document and address health inequalities among sexual and gender minorities. |
3. Acceptability and feasibility of broadly neutralizing antibodies as HIV prevention products in India: Exploring the perspectives of potential end-users, service providers and policymakers (Project period: Sep 14, 2020 – Dec 31, 2021):
C-SHaRP is implementing a study commissioned by IAVI India, to conduct a multi-site research study that aims at understanding the perspectives of potential end-users, service providers and policy makers on the factors influencing the acceptability and feasibility of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) as HIV prevention products among populations of interest in India. |
4. Community Engagement (CE) towards HIV biomedical research preparedness in India (Project period: July 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2022):
This study is commissioned by IAVI India and implemented by C-SHaRP and Quicksand, New Delhi, in collaboration with other partner agencies who work with diverse communities. The study aims to identify solutions for improving community engagement in HIV prevention research. The expected outcome of the study is to understand how communities including key populations and general populations have been engaged in HIV prevention research. |
5. Inclusion of perspectives from emerging digitally driven risk networks in defining a target product profile (TPP) for next-generation HIV prevention vaccines (Project period: April 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022):
This study is commissioned by IAVI India and implemented by C-SHaRP in collaboration with other partner agencies who work with diverse communities. The current study is planned across 2 years and will be conducted at 3 sites in India. |
6. S3-Plus study (Project period: April 1, 2022 – Mar 31, 2023):
This study titled “Influence of Minority and COVID-19 Stressors on HIV Risk and Access to Services among MSM and Transgender Women: A Longitudinal Observational Cohort (S3-Plus) Study in Chennai” is supported by ICMR/IAVI India and implemented by National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) [PI: Dr. Aleena Sebastian], with technical support from C-SHaRP. This study will focus on: 1.) Assessing the impact of sexual and gender minority stressors and COVID-19-related stressors; and 2.) Understanding the mechanisms by which minority and COVID-19-related stressors influence HIV risk among MSM and TGW. |
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| S3-Plus studys |
| This study titled “Influence of Minority and COVID-19 Stressors on HIV Risk and Access to Services among MSM and Transgender Women: A Longitudinal Observational Cohort (S3-Plus) Study in Chennai” is supported by ICMR/IAVI India and implemented by National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) [PI: Dr. Aleena Sebastian], with technical support from C-SHaRP. This study will focus on: 1.) Assessing the impact of sexual and gender minority stressors and COVID-19-related stressors; and 2.) Understanding the mechanisms by which minority and COVID-19-related stressors influence HIV risk among MSM and TGW. |
| Inclusion of perspectives from emerging digitally driven risk networks in defining a target product profile (TPP) for next-generation HIV prevention vaccines |
| This study is commissioned by IAVI India and implemented by C-SHaRP in collaboration with other partner agencies who work with diverse communities. The current study is planned across 2 years and will be conducted at 3 sites in India. |
| Reducing discrimination faced by MSM and Transgender Women in public hospitals: A multi-level pilot intervention using a quasi-experimental design |
| With support from National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO), C-SHaRP, in collaboration with TISS and the Institute of Community Medicine in MMC, is implementing a multi-site research project. This study aims at developing, implementing, and assessing theory-based pilot multi-level intervention to reduce stigma and discrimination faced by men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in public health care settings in two Indian cities.
Principal Investigator (PI):
Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD, PhD
Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP)
Co-PIs/Co-Is:
Dr. Ketki Ranade and Dr. Smitha Nair, TISS
Dr. Sudharshini Subramaniam, MMC |
| CHVI Team in Social and Behavioral Research on HIV Vaccines |
| University of Toronto, Canada, in partnership with the Humsafar Trust, Mumbai, and C-SHaRP, Chennai, is implementing a five-year multi-country research project titled ‘CHVI Team in Social and Behavioral Research on HIV Vaccines’. The CHVI Team in Social and Behavioral Research on HIV vaccines launches an expert interdisciplinary social science team in Canada, India and South Africa that will apply rigorous and innovative social research to accelerate the development and dissemination of safe, effective and accessible HIV vaccines. The Team research program addresses key challenges in ensuring fully informed consent among HIV vaccine trial participants; and in engaging the preferences and concerns of vulnerable community end users throughout HIV vaccine development in order to bridge the science-to-practice gap. |
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| Community Engagement in HIV Vaccine Research: Advancing HIV Vaccine Trial Preparedness among Men who have Sex with Men in India |
| This is a collaborative research project of University of Toronto, the Humsafar Trust and C-SHaRP. The goal is to prepare communities of MSM for informed decision-making and meaningful involvement in HIV vaccine research. Specific objectives: 1) to explore and assess HIV vaccine and clinical trial knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and local vaccination cultures among MSM in Chennai and Mumbai; 2) To assess willingness to participate (WTP) in HIV vaccine trials and determinants of WTP. |
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| Modelling the Impact of Stigma on Depression and Sexual Risk Behaviours of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and Hijras/Transgender (TG) women in India: Implications for HIV and Sexual Health Programs |
| This is a collaborative research project of the Humsafar Trust, Madras Christian College (MCC) and C-SHaRP. The study uses a sequential mixed methods explanatory design: First, quantitative phase: Regression analyses and Structural equation modeling to empirically validate theoretical predictions regarding the relationships between HIV-related stigma, sexual stigma and transgender identity-related stigma), and depression and sexual risk behaviours; Second, qualitative phase: Analyses will focus on contextualized understanding of the relationships between stigma, depression and sexual risk behaviours. |
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| Qualitative Impact Assessment of Pehchan Programme |
| This qualitative study was commissioned by India HIV/AIDS Alliance. This study assessed the impact of an Alliance-led long-term GFATM-supported programme (among men who have sex with men and transgender people) in India. |
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| Getting a Job and Keeping it: Issues faced by Thirunangai (Transgender people) and Kothis in Tamil Nadu in getting and retaining employment. A Rapid Assessment using Mixed Methods |
This mixed methods study was commissioned by Tamil Nadu AIDS Initiative – Voluntary Health Services (TAI-VHS). It aimed to explore and understand the perspectives and experiences of trans people and kothis in getting and retaining jobs. |
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| Feminization Practices among Transgender and Hijra Communities in India |
This qualitative study provided necessary information on the current situation of access to and use of safe and quality feminisation procedures for male-to-female transgender people. The study was commissioned by India HIV/AIDS Alliance.
Singh, Y., Aher, A., Shaikh, S., Mehta, S., Robertson, J., & Chakrapani, V. (2014). Gender Transition Services for Hijras and Other Male-to-Female Transgender People in India: Availability and Barriers to Access and Use. International Journal of Transgenderism, 15(1), 1-15. doi:10.1080/15532739.2014.890559 |
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| Effect of an eHealth intervention on COVID-19 knowledge, behaviours, and mental wellness of LGBTQ+ people: #SafeHandsSafeHearts randomized trial IDRC Project
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| The Humsafar Trust in Mumbai, collaborates with C-SHaRP in implementing this project that aims to adapt, test, and disseminate a community-engaged eHealth intervention to reduce COVID-19 infection risk and psychological distress among LGBTQ+ people in Canada, India, and Thailand.
India Principal Investigator (PI):
Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD, PhD
International PI:
Dr. Peter A Newman, University of Toronto, Canada |
| Reducing Health Inequalities among Sexual Minorities in India: Generating Evidence for Action
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| Dr. Venkatesan Chakrapani is a recipient of DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance (IA) senior fellowship since April 2017. Through his fellowship, currently hosted by the Humsafar Trust, he is conducting multi-site research projects in India that aims to document and address health inequalities among sexual and gender minorities. |
| Community Engagement (CE) towards HIV biomedical research preparedness in India
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| This study is commissioned by IAVI India and implemented by C-SHaRP and Quicksand, New Delhi, in collaboration with other partner agencies who work with diverse communities. The study aims to identify solutions for improving community engagement in HIV prevention research. The expected outcome of the study is to understand how communities including key populations and general populations have been engaged in HIV prevention research. |
| Acceptability and feasibility of broadly neutralizing antibodies as HIV prevention products in India: Exploring the perspectives of potential end-users, service providers and policymakers
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| C-SHaRP is implementing a study commissioned by IAVI India, to conduct a multi-site research study that aims at understanding the perspectives of potential end-users, service providers and policy makers on the factors influencing the acceptability and feasibility of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) as HIV prevention products among populations of interest in India. |
| Development and Evaluation of an E-Health Intervention to Promote HIV Prevention Behaviours & Mental Health of Transgender Women in India
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) – IMPRESS Project
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This research was supported by ICSSR – IMPRESS project and the goal was to develop and pilot-test an e-health intervention for transgender women in India to promote safer sex and mental health.
PI:
Dr. Pushpesh Kumar, PhD
University of Hyderabad
Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI):
Dr Venkatesan Chakrapani, MD, PhD
Centre for Sexuality and Health Research and Policy (C-SHaRP) |
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| Multi-level intervention among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in India: A Pilot Study |
This is a collaborative research project of C-SHaRP, National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and Yale university. It is funded by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
This study seeks to develop, implement, and assess an innovative multi-level intervention for HIV-positive MSM in India to promote health and safer sex practices, and to promote acceptance of HIV-positive MSM within MSM communities. Our intervention is guided by Social-Personal Model, which states that HIV risk is influenced by individual, interpersonal, and community level factors.
In the first phase, we conducted randomized trial of a 4-session individual-level intervention promoting safer sex, interpersonal communication skills, disclosure decision-making, social support and relationship building. Participants completed assessment at 3 (midline) and 6 (endline) months after the baseline.
In the second phase, we will implement a community-level intervention resulting in 4 groups (control, individual, control + community, individual + community) to improve social connections within the MSM community and to reduce stigma against HIV-positive MSM.
Key outcome measures include: sexual risk (unprotected anal and vaginal sex) and perceived stigma. Feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity will be evaluated using a comprehensive process evaluation. |
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| HIV-related stigma research review |
Along with Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), C-SHaRP completed a HIV-stigma research literature review project funded by UNDP India.
Bharat, S., & Chakrapani, V. (June 2014). Research Compendium - HIV-related Stigma Research in India: Current Knowledge, Gaps and Recommendations. Delhi: UNDP India.
http://www.in.undp.org/content/dam/india/docs/
HIV_and_development/UNDP_StigmaCompendium_final.pdf |
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| Mapping and size estimation of trans populations in India |
| National Institute of Epidemiology (NIE) and C-SHaRP co-led a study on mapping and size estimation of hijra/transgender populations in 17 states in India. The study implementing partner was IMRB. This project was commissioned by UNDP India to NIE. Pior to this project, NIE and C-SHaRP developed methodological options for conducting mapping and size estimation study:http://www.nie.gov.in/activities-description.php?id=MTk= |
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| Family acceptance among MSM and transgender people in India |
| This qualitative study was commissioned by Family Planning Association of India (FPA India). It aimed to better understand the reasons behind acceptance and non-acceptance of same-sex attracted and transgender youth by their family members, and to design interventions to promote family acceptance. |
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