title: Risk taking behavior and Sexually Transmitted Diseases: a study among men.
abstract: Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) among men not only jeopardize their own health but also increase sexual morbidities among their spouses. STDs are primarily attributed to high-risk sexual behavior. The study was carried out among male patients attending the OPD of a Government dispensary. Risk taking behavior was assessed using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire and STDs were diagnosed using syndromic approach supported by laboratory investigations. Three hundred two men were selected by systemic random sampling for inclusion in the study. 39% had pre-marital sexual relationship, 20% had sex with Commercial Sex Workers. 12% of the married men had extramarital sex mostly with CSWs. 27% had more than one sex partner ever. Only 3.6% used condoms consistently. Thirteen per cent respondents had history of symptoms suggestive of STDs. Prevalence of syphilis, gonorrhea and other STDs among study subjects were 3.6%, 0.7% and 0.7% respectively. High risk sexual behavior is widely prevalent and STDs are also common. Behavior change communication and early diagnosis and prompt treatment of STDs will reduce the burden significantly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi.
authors.forename: Pushpa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.forename: Arun Kr
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Ramachandran
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires