Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

  • Year: 2013
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue: 2

Awareness and High Risk Behaviour Related to HIV/ AIDS among Garment Workers in Bangalore, India

1Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bangalore

2Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bangalore

*Corresponding author: Saraswathi S, Assistant Prof. Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Fort, K.R. Road, Bangalore, Karnataka-560002, Phone: 9880046228, e-mail: ssdrsaras@gmail.com

Online published on 16 May, 2013.

Abstract

To evaluate awareness and attitude regarding HIV/AIDS and high risk behaviour related to HIV infection, among garment workers.

A cross sectional study was conducted among 16-25 year old unmarried garment workers. A total of 216 participants were enrolled on voluntary basis. An in-depth interview was conducted using semi structured questionnaire.

The study revealed better knowledge with respect to modes of transmission and prevention among male participants compared to females. The in-depth interview revealed that 10.93% of the males and 3.29% of the females had sexual encounter. The mean age of sexual debut was 22 years for men and 19 for women. Practices like non usage of condoms and multiple sex partners were also found among study population.

The knowledge about causation and prevention is very poor, especially among women. The proper awareness and counseling will reduce the high risk behaviors and help these young people to have a healthy lifestyle.

Keywords

HIV/AIDS, Risk behaviour, Garment workers, Awareness, Unmarried youth