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Abstract
Factors associated with STI and HIV among self-identified men having sex with men (MSM): findings of a cross sectional survey in three states in south India
A.K. Mathai1, R. Paranjape2, M.K. Mainkar2, G.N.V. Brahmam3, R. Adhikary4, P. Goswami4, M.D. Gupte1
Background: As part of an evaluation of Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative, a cross sectional survey of HIV risk, HIV and STI was done in 2006/2007 among several at-risk groups. The objective of the present analysis is to identify the significant factors associated with STI and HIV among self identified MSM.
Methods: Data from 10 selected districts of three states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu were considered. 3894 MSM respondents were selected using a two stage cluster sampling method. The estimates were weighed appropriately and both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with STI and HIV. Any STI was defined as the presence of reactive syphilis serology or detection of N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis (one or more). We explored the effect of several variables related to socio-demographic characteristics, circumcision, sexual behavior including condom use and knowledge about HIV/AIDS.
Results: The overall HIV prevalence was 12.5% (95% CI: 10.2% - 15.2%) and any STI was 14.3% (95% CI: 12.6% - 16.3%). The prevalence of HIV among those with STIs (29.5%; 95% CI: 23.8% - 35.8%) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than those without STIs (9.6%; 95% CI: 7.8% - 11.9%). Current age, illiteracy, living alone, lubricant use while doing anal sex and not having regular sexual partners were significantly associated with having any STI. Important factors significantly associated HIV positivity were illiteracy, living alone, younger age at first sex, misconceptions about HIV/AIDS and those who infected with STI (OR = 3.50, 95% CI: 2.79 - 4.39; P <0.001).
Conclusions: The factors identified for both STI and HIV suggests the importance of literacy to reduce the STI and HIV epidemic in the country.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC0266
Suggested Citation
"A.K.Mathai, et al.
Factors associated with STI and HIV among self-identified men having sex with men (MSM): findings of a cross sectional survey in three states in south India.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC0266"
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