Gender differences in sexual behaviour among people living with HIV in Chennai, India

Background & objectives: Risky sexual behaviour is usually the focus of HIV prevention programmes and little attention has been given to sexual behaviour patterns among HIV positive individuals. In order to ensure that people with HIV receive high quality sexual and mental health services, providers must have a comprehensive understanding of the issues and challenges faced by men and women with HIV This study was conducted to gain insight into the gender differences in sexual behaviour patterns among HIV seropositive men and women in south India. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study on a cohort of 203 seropositive patients (102 women and 101 men) attending outpatient clinics in the Tuberculosis Research Centre and the STD clinic of the Government General Hospital, Chennai, India. A semi-structured interview schedule was administered to collect information from the respondents. Results: Fifty three per cent of the women were discontented with the sexual relationship with their spouse as compared to 23 per cent of the men (P<0.001). Thirty two of the 54 women who refused sex said that their spouses reacted violently to their refusal. More men than women reported to having extramarital relationships most often with a commercial sex worker or a friend, without condoms and usually under the influence of alcohol. Interpretation & conclusions: There are gender differences in sexual behaviour patterns among men and women. Understanding these differences is important to plan gender based intervention strategies in order to ensure that people living with HIV have a better quality of life, addressing their sexual concerns both within and outside of marriage. The findings will also help in advocacy and prevention programmes aimed at HIV/AIDS control.