Shah SA, Anjum ZA, Abbas SQ, Baig MA; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 2002 Jul 7-12; 14: abstract no. WePeE6582.

Sindh AIDS Control Programme, Karachi, Pakistan

ISSUES: Hijras (transvestites/ transsexuals) also called eunuchs constitute the visible segment of population in Pakistan. Karachi is a cosmopolitan city. The population of Hijras is growing day by day. They earn their livelihood through dancing, begging and commercial sex. Most frequently they offer unsafe oral and anal sex to their customers Present of sex stimulating literature, misuse of internet, programme on cable TV, late marriages, unavailability of recreational activities and ban on commercial sex workers have increase the demand of these hijras among the migrant workers and youth. DESCRIPTION: A study was conducted among 300 Hijras to know the risk behavior of this population and chances of prevalence of HIV/AIDS among this group and general population. Study showed that 91% reported exchange of sex for money. Average age of sex with consent was found 12 years and in 93% of cases they practiced receptive anal sex. 35% reported more than 5 sexual partners per day, while 19% reported more than 10 sexual partners per day.91% Hijras reported no condom use. 45% were found drug addicts and 1% injecting drug users. 60% of their clients are youth and 30% are migrant workers. more than 50% of their customers are married CONCLUSION: Their high risk sexual behavior, and practices makes them more vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS. Low use of condom and use of injecting drugs has increased the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. Youth and migrant workers are at great risk and may become the source of spreading infection in their families. RECOMMENDATIONS: These groups should be addressed on priority basis because their risky behavior make them prone to HIV/AIDS and other STDs. ertry of HIV among this group will become the great source of spread of this diease as more than 50% of their partners are married. Peer Education programme will be the most effective way of preventive programme.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• Condoms
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• Humans
• Pakistan
• Prevalence
• Prostitution
• Risk-Taking
• Sexual Behavior
• Sexual Partners
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases
• Substance Abuse, Intravenous

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0015089

UI: 102252587

From Meeting Abstracts