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- Title
Risk Behaviors of Homeless Men in India: A Potential Bridge Population for HIV Infection.
- Authors
Talukdar, Arunansu; Roy, Krishnendu; Saha, Indrajit; Mitra, Jayashree; Detels, Roger
- Abstract
This study investigated whether homeless men are a bridge group for transmission of HIV to the general population in India. A cross-sectional study design was used to measure subjects’ past and current sexual activities. We surveyed 493 of 606 homeless men aged 18–49 years who live in public places in Kolkata, India, who were invited to take part in a structured interview, using a CD player and earphones. Almost two-thirds of respondents had never attended school. Sex with commercial sex worker (CSWs), multiple sex partners, and inconsistent condom use were common. About 90% of married homeless men visited CSWs, but only 3.3% consistently used condoms. AIDS awareness and risk perception were very low. Less education and being married but not currently living with wife were associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Homeless men should be considered a potential bridge for HIV transmission from CSWs to the general population. Appropriate non-written communication strategies targeted to homeless people are urgently needed. Community intervention programs targeting the homeless, such as the ‘Popular Opinion Leader’ model, should be designed and evaluated.
- Subjects
INDIA; HOMELESS men; HIV; SEXUAL intercourse; AIDS; PUBLIC spaces; POPULATION; SURVEYS; RESPONDENTS
- Publication
AIDS & Behavior, 2008, Vol 12, Issue 4, p613
- ISSN
1090-7165
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10461-007-9338-0