Sexual risk behaviors and HIV/AIDS awareness among males in a rural community in Goa.
To study the heterosexual risk behaviors and to study the level of HIV/ AIDS awareness among males in a rural community in Goa. Survey was cross-sectional and community based. A sample of 300 males aged 15-49 years selected by stratified random sampling. An "UNAIDS protocol for measurement of HIV/STD prevention indicators" was used. SPSS software package was used for statistical analysis. One hundred and ninety eight (66%) males reported ever having sexual intercourse, of these 17% were single. Fifty three (17.7%) males reported intercourse with a non-regular partner in the past 12 months, of these 90.6% had intercourse with strangers, 92.5% had paid for sex and only 43.4% had used a condom for the last sexual encounter with a non-regular partner. Less educated males (<10th class), single and those employed have higher sexual indulgence with non-regular sexual partners. The level of knowledge about HIV/ AIDS was very high in all areas of causation and prevention. Although the awareness about sexual risk behavior was high, condom use was very low resulting in high risk behavior related to HIV/ AIDS and STDs among males. The study highlights the need for more effective behaviour change communication (BCC) strategies in the community as well as innovative methods like village level peer education.
Vaz
F S
FS
Department of Preventive & Social Medicine, Goa Medical College, Bambolim, Goa. 403 202. frederickvaz@rediffmail.com
Ferreira
A M
AM
Kulkarni
M S
MS
Motghare
D D
DD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012424:Rural Population; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires