HIV/AIDS, STDs and STIs

Biography

Biography: Vaishali Gautam

Abstract

This study was conducted to better understand HIV/AIDS vulnerability and risk of a novel study population; migrant female college students using mixed method approach i.e quantitative and qualitative explanatory method. For quantitative aspect, a randomly selected group of 100 students were recruited and administered semi-closed questionnaire assessing their HIV/AIDS related knowledge and behaviour. Further, respondents with self-reported high risk sexual behavior were screened for in-depth interviews (qualitative aspect) with the purpose to identify the factors that increased their vulnerability and risk. 21% of the respondents had inadequate HIV/AIDS related knowledge, mean age of sexual initiation was 18.7 years and 10% of the respondents showed high risk sexual behavior as none used condom consistently. Statistically significant association was observed between respondent’s high risk behavior and having friends who were sexually exposed (fischer’s exact test, p value 0.005) and also with respondent’s partner’s current place of residence [LR, p value<.001].  On conducting in depth interviews; broadly four categories emerged; Gap in knowledge and behaviour, Push, Pull and behavioural factors. Push factors like greater opportunities, peer pressure and pull factor like coerced sexual intercourse led to adoption of high risk sexual behaviour. In addition, behavioural factors like inability to negotiate condom use, embarrassment in purchasing condom and poor self-perceived risk further increased the respondent’s vulnerability to acquire HIV infection. Keeping in mind that in India, migrant female students comprises a sizeable number hence we conclude that migrant female college students are vulnerable therefore requires focus to further measure their HIV vulnerability and risk.