Rural Indian tribal communities: an emerging high-risk group for HIV/AIDS
Author(s)
Balasubramaniam BinduNabukera Sarah
Naik Eknath
Sinnott John
Salihu Hamisu
Karpur Arun
Taylor Richard
Galwankar Sagar
Ramaswami Balasubramaniam
Ramachandra Seetharam
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http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=1472698X&date=2005&volume=5&issue=1&spage=1http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-698X/5/1
Abstract
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Rural Indian tribes are anthropologically distinct with unique cultures, traditions and practices. Over the years, displacement and rapid acculturation of this population has led to dramatic changes in their socio-cultural and value systems. Due to a poor health infrastructure, high levels of poverty and ignorance, these communities are highly vulnerable to various health problems, especially, communicable diseases including HIV/AIDS. Our study sought to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sexuality, and the risk factors associated with the spread of HIV/AIDS and STDs among these communities.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A nested cross sectional study was undertaken as part of the on going Reproductive and Child Health Survey. A total of 5,690 participants age 18–44 were recruited for this study. Data were obtained through home interviews, and focused on socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding sexuality, HIV/AIDS and other STDs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The study revealed that only 22% of adults had even heard of AIDS, and 18 % knew how it is transmitted. In addition, only 5% knew that STDs and AIDS were related to each other. AIDS awareness among women was lower compared to men (14% vs.30 %). Regarding sexual practices, 35% of the respondents reported having had extramarital sexual encounters, with more males than females reporting extramarital affairs.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Lack of awareness, permissiveness of tribal societies for premarital or extra-marital sexual relationships, and sexual mixing patterns predispose these communities to HIV/AIDS and STD infections. There is a dire need for targeted interventions in order to curtail the increasing threat of HIV and other STDs among these vulnerable populations.</p>Date
2005Type
ArticleIdentifier
oai:doaj-articles:9e5feb68a9db44cfba5b581fb57abdf0http://www.doaj.org/doaj?func=openurl&genre=article&issn=1472698X&date=2005&volume=5&issue=1&spage=1
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-698X/5/1