Geographic Variation of Sexual Knowledge and Practice among the People Living with HIV/AIDS in Kerala State, India

Abstract

This study aimed to examine perceptual factors associated with knowledge about the sexual practice among the infected HIV/AIDS people in Kerala, and the relationship between the condom use and the timing of sexual debut among the partners. Analyses are based on 716 sexually experienced males and female aged 20 - 40 years who completed questionnaires about their sexual attitudes and behaviour.  As per the factor analysis, five factors are grouped for the analysis. The first component which explains 25.90 % of the total variance is significantly loaded with 13 variables .The factor loading values of 13 variables lies between 0.92 and - 0.53The second component accounts for 15.14% of the total variance grouped with 6 variables with loading values between 0.94 and -0.79 in both the direction. The third component 10.77% of total variance is contributed by 6 variables with the loading values lying between 0.95 and -0.74 in both the directions. Interestingly the fourth component explains 9.94% of total variance. It is loaded with 4 variables in both the directions. Similarly the fifth component explains 8.03% of total variance. Results indicate the males from the unemployed Muslim community and their educational status up to high school are using condoms.  Majority of the HIV/AIDS infected persons have the habit of sexual contact before marriage and they are mainly truck and auto drivers in Kerala. Consequently, only a marginal association was found between agreeing that buying condoms is embarrassing and condom use at first sexual intercourse. Interventions to increase awareness about the role of condoms in preventing HIV, delay sexual initiation, and teach properly the sex education in the school itself.