High- Risk Sexual Behaviors in Young Men Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Dependence: A Qualitative Study

By : Swati Kedia Gupta, Anju Dhawan, Atul Ambekar, Manju Mehta

Page No: 97-108

Abstract
India has the third largest number of HIV infected people and sexual behaviors are the primary route of transmission. Moreover, alcohol use is prevalent in the country and a growing concern has been its relationship with HIV-related highrisk sexual behaviours. This article uses qualitative methodology to explore the context of various high-risk sexual behaviours and their association with alcohol use in individuals with alcohol dependence syndrome. Fifteen, sexually-active, young men, seeking treatment for alcohol dependence in a tertiary care center was enrolled. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, which were subjected to content analysis. Multiple sexual partnerships were a common occurrence in the sample and anal sex was reported by one-fourth of the respondents. Initiating sexual activity at an early age was associated with increased incidents of high- risk sexual behaviors. Condom use patterns varied with partner types, with condoms being used least consistently with regular partners. Different beliefs regarding association of alcohol use with sexual behavior and condom use were elicited. Increased need for sex under influence of alcohol, peer pressure and availability of a partner were contributory factors for non-regular sexual partners. Being under the influence of alcohol, low risk perception and need for enhanced pleasure influenced non-use of condoms for most participants. The study reiterates the relationship between alcohol and sexual behavior and also highlights that individuals dependent on alcohol are a specifically vulnerable group. Thus, there is need for research and prevention activities to focus on this group.

Authors :
Swati Kedia Gupta : PhD. National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre & Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi- 110029, India
Anju Dhawan : MD. National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre & Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi- 110029, India
Atul Ambekar : MD, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre & Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi- 110029, India
Manju Mehta : PhD, Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi- 110029, India.