SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR AS A RISK FACTOR IN THE TRANSMISSION OF HIV INFECTION AMONG ADOLESCENTS AND YOUNG MALES IN INDIA

In order to understand the beliefs and behaviour related to sexual perception and activity of young male adults a multi-centric study was conducted using a structured proforma for a face to face interview. A total of 9845 subjects in the age group 18–25 years were interviewed. 73.78% of the respondents believed that sex with a commercial sex worker (CSW) is an acceptable way of satisfying sex. Sex with an Amateur was considered acceptable by 57.21% of the subjects. Knowledge about condom use was inadequate among 23.67% of the subjects. An information education and communication (IEC) intervention programme with a school set up and peer network education is recommended for developing safe sex practices. Aggressive social marketing for condom usage will reduce the rate of infection and probability of transmission of HIV/AIDS.KEY WORDS: Adolescent sexual behaviour, Sexual behaviour and AIDS, Sexual risk behaviour