Sexual practices, HIV and sexually transmitted infections among self-identified men who have sex with men in four high HIV prevalence states of India

Abstract

HIV prevalence and risk behaviour within these self-identified MSM communities in south India is high. Moreover, a significant proportion of them had female partners, both regular and commercial. The national programme's focus on HIV prevention services for these high-risk MSM is justified.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice about HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men in Belgaum: A cross-sectional study

“…Although this was comparable with the fi gure of Karnataka (67.3%) it was low when compared with fi gures of other states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu where the fi gures ranged from 98.1% to 99.7%. [4] In China study also the results were similar to that of our (59.7%). [12] About 56.49% MSM believed that MSM act spreads HIV, as well as other STDs, 4% believed that it spreads only STDs, and 29.81% believed that it spreads only HIV/AIDS.…”

“…As opposite to this the South Indian study revealed that the knowledge of availability of treatment was very low ranging from 6% to 18%. [4] Almost all participants of our study believed that HIV/ AIDS is not a contagious disease while 97.36% believed that there is no cure for HIV/AIDS. Ninety-nine percent of the participants believed that HIV/AIDS can be prevented.…”

“…South Indian study revealed similar results. [4] Ninety percent of MSM of this study were aware of availability of treatment of HIV/AIDS. All of them were aware that it is available in a civil hospital.…”

“…Similar results were found in the study conducted in four states of South India with literates being 77.9% in Andhra Pradesh, 90.9% in Maharashtra, 85.9% in Tamil Nadu, and 78.2% in Karnataka. [4] In Kolkata study 13.9% were illiterate and 1/4 th of MSM had completed secondary school. [5] As per Sri Lankan study 1.8% never attended school, whereas 7.9% were graduate.…”

“…[7] In the South Indian study majority of MSM were in the age group of 18-24 years; highest being from Maharashtra. [4] In Kolkata study, the mean age of the participants was 22.1 years. [5] The Hong Kong study revealed that majority of the participants (43%) were below 30 years.…”