Title: Ethnic minorities and their vulnerability to AIDS in a border state of India.

POPLINE Document Number: 141417

Author(s):

Thomas J
Bandyopadhyay M

Source citation:

AIDS CARE, 1999 Feb;11(1):45-60.

Abstract:

The social vulnerability of ethnic minorities, indigenous, or aboriginal populations to HIV infection is an area of concern for AIDS policy-makers, researchers, and program managers. Findings are presented from a study conducted to document aspects of community response to HIV/AIDS in Churachandpur town, Manipur, India, where a high rate of HIV infection is reported among IV drug users (IVDUs). The authors also sought to identify any gaps in existing HIV/AIDS prevention programs. Interviews were held with 635 opinion leaders from 8 tribal groups in the community, including teachers, students, and community leaders. 67% of respondents were male, and 31% were married. 81% of respondents were aged 15-19 years. Most respondents were generally aware of how HIV/AIDS is transmitted and supported HIV/AIDS, sex, and drug education in schools. 76% believed AIDS education could reduce the transmission of HIV among young people. A great majority of the respondents were willing to help with AIDS education in the study area. More than half of respondents were willing to care for relatives if they were infected with HIV. However, also about half of the study population believes that people with HIV/AIDS should be identified and isolated from the community. Almost half of the study population was worried about becoming infected with HIV, but only 7% were aware of their own personal vulnerability. Students were the most concerned about the threat of AIDS.

Keywords:

India
Research Report
Rural Population
HIV Infections
AIDS
Ethnic Groups
Minority Groups
Tribes
Perception
Beliefs
Attitude
Knowledge
Teachers
Students
Adolescents
Influentials
Asia, Southern
Asia
Developing Countries
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Cultural Background
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Culture
Education
Youth
Age Factors
Knowledge Sources
Communication