Sexual behaviour, drug use and hepatitis B infection in Chandigarh students.
BACKGROUND
The relationship of hepatitis B virus infection with drug use and sexual activity in Indian college students has not been studied earlier.


METHODS
We studied this relationship in Chandigarh, using a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey and blood tests for hepatitis B markers. The responders were assured of the confidentiality of their responses and blood test results.


RESULTS
Of the 1311 students who participated, 192 (15%) were sexually active. Eight-four per cent of them were heterosexual, 7.3% homosexual and 8.7% bisexual. Thirty-seven per cent of heterosexuals and 36% of homosexuals had more than one partner. Condoms were used by 24% heterosexuals, 11% bisexuals and 7% homosexuals. Of the sera tested, 2.9% were hepatitis B surface antigen positive and 10.4% were positive for the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen. Fifteen per cent consumed alcohol, but only 1.6% were addicted to other drugs. Two students were intravenous drug users. Eleven per cent had donated blood at least once and a third of these had suffered from jaundice in the past.


CONCLUSIONS
The pattern of sexual behaviour, low condom use and the small but definite prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in this population of students suggests that the human immunodeficiency virus infection may spread rapidly when it enters this community.
Kaur
U
U
Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Sahni
S P
SP
Bambery
P
P
Kumar
B
B
Chauhan
A
A
Chawla
Y K
YK
Dilawari
J B
JB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000453:epidemiology*