Sexual risk behaviour, knowledge and attitude related to HIV transmission: a study among a migrant tribal group living in the slums of Bhubaneswar City, Orissa, India

Abstract

Objectives The purpose was to identify the risky sexual behaviour, knowledge and attitude related to HIV transmission among migrant tribals living in the slums of a state headquarters city in India. Methods From four Santal tribe-dominated slums in Bhubaneswar City, Orissa, India, a sample of 113 respondents 15-40 years of age was recruited. Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews.Results In this migrant tribal community, the majority of women are sexually active at an early age. The mean ages at first sexual intercourse among men and women are 19.5 years and 15.8 years, respectively. A considerable prevalence of pre-and extra-marital sex among married and unmarried respondents is reported, in addition to unsafe sexual practices including not using condoms. Knowledge of using condoms and of the prevention, cure and cause of HIV is very poor. A low risk perception and negative attitude towards AIDS are also reported. There are no significant differences in these parameters between respondents reporting pre-/extra-marital relations and those without such relations. Conclusions There is a high prevalence of behavioural risk associated with ignorance and more vulnerability among these migrants. It results in a potential risk not only to these community members, but also to the counterparts living in their native places for rapid spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, forming a vicious cycle. The results of the study show the need to study these groups across the country in order to design culture-specific intervention strategies.

Higher Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Adolescent and Young Adult Girls Belonging to Different Indian Tribes with Varied Socio-Sexual Lifestyle

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HIV-related Stigma in Rural and Tribal Communities of Maharashtra, India

“…Although India's tribal populations are at considerable risk of STIs because of their relatively open sexual mores compared to traditional Indian society (14,15), limited attention has been paid to HIV among them. Previous studies have documented high rates of STIs, limited prevention and surveillance, low awareness, and widespread misconceptions about HIV.…”

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