Discussion
Interpretation and Implications of findings
The findings of this survey contributed to the baseline measurements of behaviour and knowledge indicators against which trends could be tracked over time. The results of this wave of the BSS also provided useful and actionable information regarding HIV related risk behaviours and knowledge prevalent at that point of time in Kerala. Some of these are discussed below.
- In order to calculate the sample sizes required for the survey, the proportion of each sub-population group that would report sexual intercourse with a non-regular partner (which included female commercial partners, male partners and non-regular non-commercial partners) in the past year was estimated. The results of the baseline wave of the BSS had shown that there is a difference between the estimate and the actual measurement of the indicator. For example, in the case of auto rickshaw drivers, while the estimated measurement was 25%, the actual measurement was 13.8%. Similarly, for plantation workers although the estimated measurement was 20%, its actual measurement was 4.8%. In the case of University students living in hostels, the estimate of 10% was closer to the actual measurement of 9.3%.
- The study indicated that the proportions of male university students reporting sex with a female sex worker and a male partner was not very different (3% and 2%). Students reporting sexual intercourse with only female non-regular partners was 8.3%, and with inclusion of male partners, the proportion becomes 9.3%. However, consistent condom use with the female sex worker partner (43%) was higher than with the male partner (15%).
- The reported condom use during last sex was relatively high for all subpopulation groups with female sex worker and female non-regular partners (Range 26% to 91%). However, the reported consistent condom use was relatively lower (range from 13% to 52%).
- Female sex workers reported lower last time as well as consistent condom use with regular clients (a difference of 23%) than with one time clients (a difference of 37%).
- More clients of sex workers had reported non-regular partners (both non commercial female and male) than any other male sub-population group.
- While print media was the most frequently cited source of HIV/AIDS information, there was a wide disparity between different groups. For example, 44% of the sex workers had reported hearing about HIV/AIDS through newspapers and magazines as compared to 85% to 95% among other groups for the same source of information.
