HETEROSEXUAL BEHAVIOR AND CONDOM USAGE IN AN URBAN-POPULATION OF DELHI, INDIA

A survey conducted among the lower-class urban population of Delhi, In dia to describe the heterosexual behaviour, condom usage and awareness about STDs/AIDS revealed that 4.4% respondents had sex outside/before marriage. Female commercial sex workers, friends and neighbours were the important sexual partners. Heterosexual activity was significantly higher among males, unmarried, literates and middle/higher income gro ups. Almost half of those who had sex before/outside marriage never us ed a condom during the sexual encounter. Though only a small fraction of the population was found to be engaged in extra-/pre-marital sex, t he overall impact of this may be multifold, given the nature and modes of HIV transmission. The superficial and inadequate Knowledge regardi ng STDs/AIDS among this population, especially among those having extr a-/pre-marital sex, indicates an urgent need for appropriately targete d health education and condom promotion activities in the community wi th an endeavour to increase awareness about STDs and HIV/AIDS and moti vate people towards healthy sexual lifestyles.