Bhattacharya RD, Dalwadi V, Parekh V; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1992 Jul 19-24; 8: D414 (abstract no. PoD 5165).
GAP (SIRMCE), Ellisbridge, India.
OBJECTIVES: Selling blood for subsistence and survival is probably an unique phenomena in the Indian subcontinent. Seroprevalence in these persons, ranges from 5% to 35% with some reports of over 70% have been studied in India. The present study was conducted to identify elements for the preventive strategies for HIV control among this vulnerable group. METHOD: Case studies and a structured questionnaire survey was conducted with 333 commercial blood donors (CBDs) in the city of Ahmedabad, the commercial centre and capital of Gujarat, with a population of about 3 million and an estimated demand of over 60,000 units of blood annually. Focused group discussions were conducted to identify self perceived strategies for prevention of HIV. RESULTS: The median age of the CBD is 35 yrs. and the average duration of selling blood is 18 years. 50% of the donor are migrant from the rural and periurban areas often crossing state boundaries. Most donors are unmarried and live with no fixed abode on the pavements in small peer groups. They donate 3 to 5 units in a week in facilities which may range from large professional institutes to small private pathology laboratories. More than 50% subjects reported frequent encounters with commercial sex workers and about 5% reported homosexual experience. None of the subjects had any knowledge of STDs' and HIV/AIDS, and very few used condom. The hierarchy of labs--agents--CBDs is described. HIV seropositivity in the study group was 6%. In an effort to supply safe blood to the community, CBDs are screened for their HIV status and subsequently, the seronegatives are provided with identity cards. At present they are participating a peer-education program for HIV/AIDS awareness, including proper usage of condoms. CONCLUSIONS: It must be envisaged that even when screening is universalized and the hygiene in collection services improved, there will be holes in such a logistically complex program. It is argued that involvement and self organisation of CBDs in preventive programs is imperative in a country like India.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Behavior
- Biomedical Research
- Blood Donors
- Condoms
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Homosexuality
- India
- Organizations
- Seroepidemiologic Studies
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102200382
From Meeting Abstracts