Exploring Sexual Relational Satisfaction and HIV Transmission Risk among Youth in Low Income Communities of Mumbai

Sexual satisfaction has been highlighted as a metaphorical barometer of relationship satisfaction in the West influenced society including India [1]. This craving for intercourse not in terms of romantic relationship but in terms of casual sex has led to multiple partner relationship and risky sexual behaviour including the transmission of HIV. The present study report findings derived from a survey in the slums of Mumbai with a randomized cluster sample of 1239 men aged 18-29. Results show that almost one third of respondent reported their age at sexual debut below 18 years. There is also a wide variability in nature and pattern of sexual partners which is mostly influenced by education, occupation, marital status, type of partner, media exposure, leisure time activity, alcohol use and level of drinking. Study highlights that there is a wide gap between relational and sexual satisfaction (overall 20%) among married and unmarried youth in low income communities. Leisure time activities, high level of drinking and high exposure to mass media have a direct influence on coercion in first sex, especially when girlfriend is a sexual partner. Those respondents who had their first sexual intercourse with relatives/strangers/co-workers & others and who used alcohol during their first sex are less likely (p<0.01) to use condom in their first sex. Findings facilitate understanding of changing sexual culture and behaviour, growing liberalised sexual attitude and increased vulnerability among the youth. Programmes to equip and aware youth fully to make safe choices are required for elimination of sexual risk behaviour including transmission of HIV.