Kazi BT; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. ThPeD7684.

Centre for Social Studies, Surat, India

BACKGROUND: India is considered a prolific ground for spread of AIDS in the coming century. Unprotected sexual behaviour is a major mode of HIV transmission in India accounting for 75% of the HIV infections. The focused interventions for prevention and control of AIDS, rest on certain international model, which need not necessarily be appropriate for societies like India . This study was about issues of i) knowledge of STD, AIDS and prevention measures, ii) nature of sexual behaviour, multiple partnership and sexual illnesses, iii) consistency in the use of condom for males among two types of migrant workers in an industrial city in western India. METHODS: The objective of this research project is to conduct a study on HIV/AIDS risk and prevention behaviour among two adult groups of migrant workers: homogenus highly paid single male migrant workers and heterogeneous lowly paid male migrant workers with families in an industrial city in western India. The study used qualitative and quantitative methods. The sample for both the groups was drawn in two stages: sites and respondents. RESULTS: A large majority of the 400 male migrants had heard about AIDS but less than half of these satisfy the indicative test. Group I consisting homogeneous migrant workers appeared to be less aware and was reportedly more involved in risky sexual behaviour in comparison to Group II consisting heterogeneous migrant workers. CONCLUSION: Irrespective of the knowledge about STDs/AIDS, people are worried about these diseases and can communicate about personal and sensitive matters. There is an indication of confused awareness about HIV/AIDS. Almost all were aware about HIV/AIDS. The homogeneity, solidarity and level of incomes appears to have affected for more a casual attitude towards sex and AIDS. Despite efforts on creating awareness among these groups by NGOs with state support, deep rooted grave misconceptions about AIDS, its curability, causes are observed.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Adult
• Behavior
• Biomedical Research
• Cities
• Condoms
• Demography
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• India
• Male
• Risk-Taking
• Sexual Behavior
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Transients and Migrants

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0012795

UI: 102250293

From Meeting Abstracts