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Abstract
Sexual behaviors and HIV/STIs prevalence among high risk populations in Andhra Pradesh – a high HIV prevalence State in India
G. Brahmam1, K. Venkaiah1, R. Hemalatha1, R. Hari Kumar1, K. Srinivasan2, B. sesikeran1
Background: Integrated Behavioral and Biological Assessment (2005-‘06) is an evaluation of Avahan India AIDS initiative programme. Eight districts in the State were selected based on prevalence rates and socio-cultural regions. High risk populations such as Female Sex Workers (FSWs) were covered in eight districts, Men who have sex with men (MSM) in four districts, and Bridge population “Clients of Female sex workers” in five districts.
Methods: Cross sectional survey using two stage probability sampling methods, such as Time Location Cluster/Conventional cluster sampling was adopted to sample 3271 FSWs, 1621 MSMs and 2020 Clients of FSWs. Sexual behaviors were assessed and blood & urine samples were collected to measure the prevalence of HIV and STIs.
Results: Consistent condom use by FSWs with occasional clients ranged from 36-89% in various districts, while it was 19-38% by clients of FSWs with occasional FSWs. Consistent condom use by FSWs with regular clients was 15-85%. Similarly, consistent condom use by clients of FSWs with regular FSWs was 16-26%. Mean duration in sex work among FSWs was 6 years. Mean age at initiation of commercial sex among clients of FSWs was 20 years, while that of mean current age was 30 years, indicating that most of the Clients of FSWs surveyed had long duration of commercial sex activity.
Consistent condom use by MSM with, regular male/hijra, paid male/hijra partners ranged from 2-22% and 1-40% respectively. Consistent condom use by MSM and clients of FSWs with regular female partners ranged from 0.2-4% and 0-4% respectively. HIV prevalence ranged from 2-26%, syphilis 3-17%.
Conclusions: Variation in consistent condom use was observed between FSWs and Clients of FSWs. Similarly, condom use was low with regular male/female partners among all the groups and Prevalence of HIV and other STIs is an area of concern indicating the threat of spreading infection to general populations.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC0265
Suggested Citation
"G.Brahmam, et al.
Sexual behaviors and HIV/STIs prevalence among high risk populations in Andhra Pradesh – a high HIV prevalence State in India.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC0265"
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