A Comparison of the Sexual Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors of Korean College Students Studying in Korea and in the United States

The number of Korean students enrolling in universities overseas is rapidly growing. However, these populations are underrepresented in sexuality related research, despite the possibility of sexually risky behavior in overseas university students. We examined the sexual knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of university students in Korea and studying in the United States. Data were collected—131 Korean students in Korea and in the US using a web-based self-report questionnaire system. Students in the US showed greater total sexual knowledge than students studied in Korea. There were differences in the sexual knowledge, attitude and behaviors according to general characteristics between both groups. Although students in the USA had a higher level of sexual knowledge, both students in the USA and in Korea had a low level of sexual knowledge overall.

Sources of Sexual Knowledge among Vietnamese High School Students

This study determined the sources from which Vietnamese high school students currently acquire sexual knowledge as well as the sources from which they believe they should acquire it. Participants were eleventh-grade students at three public high schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey from September to October 2012, with 1672 students participating. Responses were received from all 1672 students, a response rate of 100%. Complete data were received from 1653 respondents (98.9%), including 896 males (54.2%) and 757 females (45.8%). The survey was a self-administrated questionnaire. Although many participants believed that they were knowledgeable about sex, only a small number of them actually possessed accurate sexual knowledge. Few participants in this study, targeted to a specific age (eleventh grade), had used the Internet as a major source for obtaining sexual knowledge, in contrast to results from previous studies which covered a wider age demographic. Future research should include comparative studies between eleventh and twelfth graders as well as between those of the same age who are and who are not enrolled in high school. Additionally, it might be beneficial to consider the relationship between adolescent age and Internet use to study the influence of the Internet on sexual knowledge. Our results suggest that parents and schoolteachers should shoulder more responsibility in providing sexual education, particularly by improving their own knowledge and ability to provide such education, because many participants indicated that sexual knowledge should be acquired from parents and schools.

Seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in free-ranging male Tibetan macaques (Macaca thibetana) at Huangshan, China

Although seasonal breeding has been documented in many non-human primates, it is not clear whether sexual behaviors show seasonal variation among male individuals. To test this hypothesis, the focal animal sampling method and continuous recording were used to investigate seasonal variation and synchronization of sexual behaviors in five male Tibetan macaques （Macaca thibetana） at Mt. Huangshan from Oct 2005 to Sept 2006. Both copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors （i.e., sexual chase, grimace, and sexual-inspection）, which were significantly higher in the mating season than non-mating season. Furthermore, seasonal variations of sexual behaviors, including copulatory and sexually motivated behaviors, were synchronized among males. The results shed light on sexual competition and tactics for reproductive success of male M. thibetana and other non-human primates with seasonal breeding.

The road not taken:sexuality education and its associations with sexual knowledge and attitudes among senior high school students in rural areas of Western China

The poor performance and limited availability of sexuality education programs in rural areas of western China increase the danger of younger cohorts being exposed to sexually transmitted diseases(STDs)and engaging in risky sexual behaviors.A traditionally conservative culture,low levels of economic development and the relative lack of faculty resources all contribute to the weakness of sexuality education efforts.This study uses a sample of 164 boys and 195 girls who were senior high school students aged 15-19 in rural western China in 2017.The study aims to explore sexuality education,and sexual and reproductive behaviors,and to identify associations between sexuality education and sexual knowledge and attitudes among adolescents in rural western China.The results reveal a positive association between courses about reproductive health and lectures about STDs,and sexual knowledge;and a positive association between lectures about STDs and sexual attitudes.Our study also found that access to consulting services provided by governmental organization in the field of family planning and reproductive health helped rural adolescents enhance their sexual knowledge.Making such services available appears to offer a feasible method to develop a comprehensive sexuality education system in western China.The study concludes that an improved school-based sexuality education program strictly implemented as a part of the standard school curriculum is an effective way to increase sexual knowledge and promote de-stigmatized sexual attitudes among adolescents in rural western China.

Effects of Peer Health Education on Sexual Health Knowledge and Attitudes of Tertiary Institution Students in Imo State, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine effects of peer-health-education on sexual health knowledge and attitudes of tertiary institution students in Imo State Nigeria by determining the mean gain scores of sexual health knowledge and attitudes after peer health education. Quasi-experimental (pre-test-post-test) research design was employed. Two hundred students drawn from the University, Polytechnic and College of Education, using a multi-stage sampling technique participated in the peer sessions which were facilitated by trained peer educators. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA and Z-test. Findings revealed improved knowledge and attitudes on sexual health, as depicted by positive mean gain scores. Age group 16 - 20 years had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_8e8f0539-e2c6-47bc-80f1-ccaee4c06df5.png" alt="" /> = 22.31) of sexual health knowledge than the rest, while age group 26 - 30 years had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_dec53aa0-f549-425f-baf4-08f39aaf05fd.png" alt="" /> = 10.59) of sexual health attitudes. Males had higher mean gain score (<img src="Edit_e767bc6a-c1f3-4f0a-8b31-814581d9dd64.png" alt="" /> = 26.05) of sexual health knowledge, while females had higher mean gain score (<img src="Edit_79f87968-38f8-4873-8516-f5370ba691df.png" alt="" /> = 9.77) of sexual health attitudes. The first years (100 level students) had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_3f417e44-7627-4d69-860e-94c94ae7db0e.png" alt="" /> = 25.71) of sexual health knowledge and also had the highest mean gain score (<img src="Edit_2a60fbc7-0a2c-49fe-b9a2-1cea354966a3.png" alt="" /> = 14.12) of sexual health attitudes. Level of study was significant both for knowledge and attitudes (P < 0.01). It is recommended that peer-health-education be explored further as a method of communicating sexual health issues to tertiary institution students and youths generally.

Effects of Intraperitoneal Injection of Polychlorinated Biphenyls During Pregnancy on Sexual Behavior of F1 Rats

50 time-mated pregnant rats were divided into five groups and injected daily from gestational days 7 to 18 with either 2,2＇ ,4,4＇-tetrachlorobiphenyl （PCB 47） at the dosage of 1.00 or 20.00 mg/kg body weight; or 3,3＇ ,4,4＇-tetrachlorobiphenyl （PCB 77） at the dosage of 0.25 or 1.00 mg/kg body weight; or sesame oil （control） to investigate the effects of fetal and lactational PCB exposure on reproductive behavior in male and female laboratory rats. Offspring were then tested for male sexual behavior： mount frequency, MF; mount latency, ML; intromission frequency, IF; intromission latency, IL; ejaculation latency, EL; post ejaculatory interval, PEI; hit rate and female sexual behavior; approach latency, AL; mount return latency, MRL; intromission return latency, IRL; post ejaculatory refractory period, PER; lordosis quotient, LQ. Measures were made at the age of postnatal days 70 to 91, and 97 to 101, respectively. The results showed that exposure to both PCB 77 and PCB 47 significandy reduced the LQ （84.4% for control, 76.0%, 67.8% for PCB 47 groups and 64.4%, 53.3% for PCB 77 groups; P〈0.05） in the female offspring. There were no significant effects on AL, MR, IRL, PER （P〉0.05） of the female offspring, or on MF, ML, IF, IL, EL, PEI and hit rate （P〉0.05） of the male offspring.

High-risk Sexual Behavior among HIV-positive Former Commercial Blood Donors in Rural Eastern and Central China

Objective： To investigate high-risk sexual behavior among HIV-positive former commercial blood donors in rural central and eastern China. Methods： From December 2003 to May 2004, a crosssectional study was conducted to investigate demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, condom use, and knownHIV status among HIV-positive commercial blood donors.A total of 796 subjects were recruited for the study. Results： Of the 796 study subjects, 53.0% （258/487） did not use condoms, 10.9% （53/487） inconsistently usedcondoms, and 36.1% （176/487） consistently used condoms with a steady sex partner in the past threemonths. Age （OR, 0.57; 95% CI： 0.39, 0.82）, years of education （OR, 1.90; 95% Ch 1.27, 2.84） and known HIVstatus （OR, 1.66; 95% CI： 1.12, 2.45） were independently and positively associated with condom use with a steady sex partner. Of those subjects without a steady sexual partner in the past year, 63.6% （14/22） did not use condoms, 9.1% （2/22） inconsistently used condoms, and 27.3% （6/22） consistently used condoms. Conclusion： HIV counseling and education should be focused on HIV-positive blood donors to prevent a secondary spread of HIV through unsafe sexual practices.

Education for Sexualities in the Voices of Its Protagonists： An Experience in Context

Introduction： this work narrates the experience of the implementation of CSE （Comprehensive Sexual Education） in Argentina, at the Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences of the Autonomous University of Entre Ríos, within the “School Program of Comprehensive Sexual Education” （SPCSE） developed at compulsory schooling in the voices of teachers and the school management team. Aims： The aims of this paper are to share some of the issues that characterize the SPCSE modality, some progress and obstacles of its implementation, as well as to value the experiences of those who carry out the CSE, in order to know what happens when it comes to the classroom. Methods： it was qualitative, through the use of questionnaires to 13 elementary teachers and in-depth interviews with 5 key informants for the role they played in the management. They were analyzed and relevant data were selected, central ideas were elaborated and relationships and reflections derived from this process. Results： As obstacles or initial resistances, training, relationship with families, school practices, among others, predominated. As potentialities, those who embraced the CSE see it as enriching on a personal and professional level, not only in relation to the contents and the predisposition for learning, but also in the construction of more affective relationships. Conclusions： We recognize the great transformation potential of the CSE. Its implementation requires a systemic and sustainable change. In this sense, those of us who are part of this program are highly committed to developing strategies to face the difficulties and weaknesses in order to meet the needs of each school community. In order that the respect for human rights is visible and real, they are principles and convictions that are supported by the policies of the faculty.

Changes in sexual activity in young women during pregnancy

Objective:To conduct changes in sexual activity during pregnancy and its related factors in pregnant women.Methods:The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017 on pregnant women who referred to the women's clinic of Afzalipour Hospital in the southeast of Iran.Participants were included in the study through convenient sampling.The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of two parts of personal social information of the couple and questions to measure the level of sexual activity and the attitude of the subjects during pregnancy compared to before pregnancy.Results:201 Pregnant women were included.The average age of pregnant women was(27.3±6.1)years and their average gestational age was(24.7±11.8)years.More than 62%of women had decreased sexual activity.There was a significant relationship between the amount of changes in sexual activity and delivery time(P=0.013),abortion history(P=0.001)and premature birth history(P=0.002).Most pregnant women believed that sex during pregnancy caused damage to the fetus(67.7%).A decrease in the intensity of sexual desire was reported in 63%of pregnant women.More than 60%of the subjects did not consult with doctors and midwives with regards to sexual issues(63.5%).The most common reason for not consulting was not feeling the need(32%).Most women experienced back pain during(42.8%)and after(39.8%)intercourse.Conclusions:Changes in sex life during pregnancy are often caused by the lack of sexual knowledge and the increase in misconceptions among couples,which can affect the quality of relationships.The role of education is essential.Therefore,it is suggested that by including sexual counseling along with pregnancy care,wrong beliefs and information among women will be corrected.

The Educational System Against Sexually Transmitted Diseases:Optics in the Brazilian School Context

The aim of this study was to contribute to the teaching of sexually transmitted diseases(STDs)in high schools.The study was done from the research knowledge about STDs of 61 students from two schools of Rio Claro-SP,Brazil:A state and a private school,through a questionnaire(pre-test)and an interview with two biology professors,and each one from each school.The results indicated that,in general,the students in the private school had more knowledge about the subject.The public school students showed more problems with knowledge about the symptoms of STDs.In those two schools,the knowledge on the subject proved to be generic and superficial.According to the biology teachers,both of them teach about the content,and the teaching material contains themes of sexuality and STDs.From these results,an intervention was developed with students,using methods such as group dynamics and lecture dialogued lessons.After the intervention,there was an increase in the percentage of correct answers for the students of both schools(post-test)which shows that it was effective.We conclude that this work has achieved the objective of clarifying the theme to the students,but lack the schools a better dialogue with them for the planning of this content,since,although it is foreseen the your teaching,you're not going on an apprenticeship.

Sexuality after Childbirth: Analysis of the Experiences of Central African Women in Bangui

Introduction: In many societies, sexuality is still a taboo subject. In the Central African Republic, this topic is rarely discussed outside the context of gynecological consultations and infertility, whereas the sexual life of couples is often disrupted by the arrival of a child, particularly by the ordeal of childbirth. The aim of the study is to analyze the sexual experience of Central African women after childbirth in order to contribute to improving the health of the population, in particular that of mother and child, and to facilitate harmony within the couple. Methodology: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study covering the period from July 1 to August 30, 2023, at the maternity ward of the Center University Hospitalier Communautaire. The study concerned only women who had given birth between the second week and the sixth month postpartum. The sampling was exhaustive. Results: A total of 303 women agreed to take part in our study, aged between 15 and 44, more than half of whom had completed secondary school. The eagerness of the women to take part in the study shows that they are ready to express themselves about their sexuality despite certain biases linked to the method of patient selection. Resumption of sexual relations was initiated by the partners within six weeks in the vast majority of cases. Conclusion: Resumption of sexual intercourse was delayed, often at the partner’s initiative. Further studies are needed to understand the cultural, religious and psychological dimensions of postpartum sexuality in the Central African context.

Determinants of Sexual Activity among HIV-Infected Adolescents in Cameroon

Introduction: Adolescence is a period of transition to adulthood, including for HIV-infected adolescents (HIA), when sexual problems emerge. Few studies have been carried out on the sexuality of HIA. This study aimed to assess the sexual behavior of HIV-infected adolescents in Cameroon. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in three hospitals in the cities of Yaoundé and Douala, from November 2019 to June 2020. All HIA aged 13 to 19 years followed in the study who knew their HIV status were included in the study after obtaining their assent and their parent’s consent. Socio-demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, as well as sexual practices and the determinants of their sexual activity. A multivariate analysis was performed to explore the relationship between the different variables studied and the sexual activity of these adolescents. Results: Of 204 HIA enrolled in the study, 64 (31.7%) were sexually active, the mean age at first sexual intercourse was 15.6 ± 2.8 years and the sex ratio was 0.94. Of the adolescents in the study, 75.7% of girls and 61.2% of boys had regular sexual activity, while 21.3% of girls and 35.4% of boys had multiple sexual relationships in the six months preceding the study. Nearly 16 (25.0%) of the sexually active HIA had more than 2 sexual encounters per month, 6 (9.3%) of these encounters had been paid for and 9 (27.2%) of the girls had already had at least one pregnancy. More than 7 out of 10 HIA (79.6%) had used a condom the last time they had sex. Age less than 18 years [OR = 11.1 (95% CI: 3.1 - 39.4), p = 0.001], lack of remuneration [OR = 9.8 (95% CI: 2.0 - 47.4), p = 0.001] and self-care were significantly associated with sexual activity in HIA, while school attendance was a protective factor. Self-funded HIAs were 21 times more likely to be sexually active [OR = 21.6 (95% CI: 2.3 - 179), p = 0.004]. Conclusion: More than a third of HIV-infected adolescents were sexually active and risky sexual practices were not negligible.

Smart Approaches to Efficient Text Mining for Categorizing Sexual Reproductive Health Short Messages into Key Themes

To promote behavioral change among adolescents in Zambia, the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council, in collaboration with UNICEF, developed the Zambia U-Report platform. This platform provides young people with improved access to information on various Sexual Reproductive Health topics through Short Messaging Service (SMS) messages. Over the years, the platform has accumulated millions of incoming and outgoing messages, which need to be categorized into key thematic areas for better tracking of sexual reproductive health knowledge gaps among young people. The current manual categorization process of these text messages is inefficient and time-consuming and this study aims to automate the process for improved analysis using text-mining techniques. Firstly, the study investigates the current text message categorization process and identifies a list of categories adopted by counselors over time which are then used to build and train a categorization model. Secondly, the study presents a proof of concept tool that automates the categorization of U-report messages into key thematic areas using the developed categorization model. Finally, it compares the performance and effectiveness of the developed proof of concept tool against the manual system. The study used a dataset comprising 206,625 text messages. The current process would take roughly 2.82 years to categorise this dataset whereas the trained SVM model would require only 6.4 minutes while achieving an accuracy of 70.4% demonstrating that the automated method is significantly faster, more scalable, and consistent when compared to the current manual categorization. These advantages make the SVM model a more efficient and effective tool for categorizing large unstructured text datasets. These results and the proof-of-concept tool developed demonstrate the potential for enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of message categorization on the Zambia U-report platform and other similar text messages-based platforms.

Seminal characteristics and sexual behavior in men of different age groups： is there an aging effect？

Aim： To assess the seminal characteristics as well as the sexual behavior of men of various age groups to establish the presence of an aging effect on those characteristics. Methods： Semen samples were collected from men （n = 792） undergoing in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination in cases of female factor infertility only. Samples were collected using a seminal collection device at intercourse and evaluated manually according to World Health Organization （WHO） standards. Men were divided into four groups according to their ages： （i） 20-30, （ii） 31-40, （iii） 41-50 and （iv） 51-60 years, and their seminal characteristics and responses to a sexual behavior questionnaire were compared. Results： The data showed statistically significant differences in the seminal characteristics tested, most notably in the sperm concentration, motility, grade of motility, hypo-osmotic swelling and normal sperm morphology. Furthermore, the decline in normal sperm morphology with age was more pronounced when using strict criteria rather than WHO standards. There were also differences in total sperm count, total motile sperm and total functional sperm fraction （assessed by both WHO and strict criteria）. Significant differences were also observed in the sexual behavior patterns in older men in terms of the number of years they have been trying to conceive, sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction. Conclusion： The data clearly illustrate an aging effect on semen characteristics and sexual behavior in men as they age. It is suggested that the aging effect be taken into consideration when proposing normal standard values for semen characteristics in routine semen analysis as outlined by WHO standards.

Improved sexual behavior in male rats treated with a Chinese herbal extract： hormonal and neuronal implications

Aim： To investigate the influence of an extract obtained from five Chinese medicinal plants on sexual behavior of adult male rats. Methods： The extract was administered at doses of 30, 60 and 120 mg/kg by oral gavage, acutely （one time, 45 min before mating test） or subchronically （daily for 10 days） in sexually potent and sexually sluggish/impotent rats. Sexual behavior, serum levels of luteinizing hormone （LH） and testosterone （T） were evaluated in treated rats and compared with controls receiving vehicle. The effect of the extract on central dopaminergic neurotransmission was assessed in the nucleus accumbens using a microdialysis technique. Results： In sexually potent rats, both acute and subchronic treatment with the extract dosed at 30 and 60 mg/kg reduced mount latency and intromission latency. In sluggish/impotent rats, the acutely administered extract at the dose of 60 mg/kg shortened ejaculation latency, whereas subchronically administered at the doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg, reduced mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies, increasing also the percentage of mounting and ejaculating rats. The extract dosed at 60 mg/kg significantly increased LH and T following acute and subchronic administration and increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid levels in the nucleus accumbens, 30 min after the acute administration. Conclusion： The improvement in both appetitive and consummatory components of sexual behavior observed in male rats treated with the extract could be ascribed to increased serum T level in parallel with the activation of the central dopaminergic system.

The Association between Awareness of Sexual Behavior and Cognitive Social Capital among High School Students in Vietnam

Background: Globally, adolescent sexual behavior is a major health concern and the focus of many researches. However, negative attitude towards premarital sex and sense of community belonging have not been examined in relation to adolescent sexual behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine whether these two factors are associated with adolescent sexual behavior. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1672 eleventh grade students from three public high schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. Participants’ sense of community belonging and negative attitude towards premarital sex were assessed through a self-administered questionnaire. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses to examine associations between the cognitive social capital concepts, such as a sense of community belonging. Results: 92.3% of students agreed with a sense of community belonging, but only 14.1% of students accepted premarital sex. A high sense of community belonging was significantly associated with negative attitude towards premarital sex OR (95% CI), male 3.16 (2.3-4.34), female 8.77 (5.38-14.29). After adjusting for a sense of community belonging, the association disappeared between acceptance of premarital sex and sexual experience of peers, proper time to wear a condom, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale score. Conclusion: Cognitive social capital, such as sense of community belonging, was associated with negative attitude towards premarital sex. Therefore, cognitive social capital concepts should be included in sexual behavior and health promotions, especially with adolescents.

Teenagers’Sexual Behavior in Sweden, Europe

Objective To investigate the development of sexuality from early to late adolescence, and to compare girls and boys of different ages Methods A cross sectional survey in all schools was performed covering all pupils between 13 and 18 years of age that were in school when the survey was conducted. A validated instrument, Q90, created for use in teenagers was distributed in the class- rooms to 3 216 teenagers. Q90 covers 30 questions about body development and sexual behavior. Non-response was insignificant （n=19; 0.6%）. Results Pubertal development was considered “early” or “late” by about 50% of both boys and girls. Eighty percent of the 13 to 15 years old boys and girls had had a romance and 30% had experience of sexual cuddling （petting）, while significantly more girls than boys had sexual intercourse （18% vs 13%; odds ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-1.9）. The difference between girls and boys remained in those being 16-18 years old, where 63% of the girls and 53% of the boys （odds ratio 1.5, 95% CIJ.2-1.9） admitted having intercourse. Mean age at first intercourse was 14.9 and 15 years, respectively. At 16-18 years of age, 23% of the sexually active girls, as compared with 25% of the boys estimated that they had had 6 or more sexual partners. About 30% of the adolescents, irrespective of age and gender, did not use contraceptives at their first and latest intercourse. Eight percent of the older girls had been pregnant, and they had an increased history of sexually transmitted infections, as compared with the boys （6.2% vs 2.7%, odds ratio 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-5.0）. Conclusion Exploring sexuality and experimentation is a normal behavior in adolescence. The results of this study, however, indicate that there are substantial groups of teenagers who practice sexual risk-taking. In addition to general sexual education, programs should also be directed to define sexual risks and its consequences.

Effect of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone Analogue on the Sexual Behavior of Sacalia quadriocellata

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone(LHRH) is known to influence sexual behavior in many vertebrate taxa, but there have been no systematic studies on the role of LHRH in sexual behavior of turtles. We tested the hypotheses that exogenous LHRH analogues would induce sexual behavior of male Four-eyed turtle, Sacalia quadriocellata. We examined this by challenging males with intramuscular injections of mammalian luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue(LHRH-A), human chorionic gonadotropin(HCG), or a combination of the two, and subsequently exposing them to sexually receptive females for behavioral observation. Our data show that the injection of only HCG could not, while that of only LHRH-A could, facilitate sexual behavior along with testicular recrudescence and spermatogenesis in S. quadriocellata. The injection of both LHRH-A and HCG would induce more drastic sexual behavior of the animals than that of LHRH-A alone, indicating HCG enhances the effects of LHRH-A induced sexual behavior. However, different pharmacological dosages of LHRH-A(0.5 μg, 1 μg, 2 μg per 100 g bodyweight) did not correspond to different activity levels. Though the mechanism of LHRH effect was not determined, this study may support that the sexual behavior of S. quadriocellata which occurs at the beginning of the injection despite regression of the gonads. This is the first report on the exogenous LHRH-A induced sexual behavior for this species.

Internet Through Mobile Phone and Its Cognitive and Behavioral Impact： Changing Sexuality

This study investigates how Internet media in the mobile phone influence on the cognitive and behavioral aspects of human sexuality. Sex is being deviating from socially accepted behaviors; ranging from bisexuality to homosexuality. Based on the qualitative methodology using particular case studies and textual analysis as well as survey research leading to quantitative methodology, this assumes of a transition of cultures as a result of the thorough impact of Internet towards society. In conclusion, lnternet implicit practices in the Mobile Phone in youth and teen societies storms a big change in sexuality, is also affecting towards the human cognitive and behavioral phases of the social life in traditional Buddhist rural village setting in Sri Lanka.

An Appraisal of Sexual Behaviors, STI/HIV Prevalence, and HIV Prevention Programs among Truckers in India: A Critical Literature Review

Background: A systematic review portraying the changing pattern of sexual behaviors, STI and HIV prevalence and key strategies curb HIV and STI among truckers in India is lacking. This paper therefore aims to present a chronological review of literature regarding sexual behaviors, STI/HIV prevalence, and various HIV prevention programs implemented among truckers in India. Methodology: Published and unpublished studies (1990-2011) were identified through electronic databases, and hand searching. Results: Most studies on sexual behaviors and STI/HIV prevalence among truckers focused only on drivers and ignored their helpers. Evidences suggest that consistent condom use by truckers with both paid and non-paid female partners has increased during the past decade. Many recent studies suggest that the HIV prevalence among truckers is about 2% and it has been declining slowly during the past decade. The HIV prevention programs among truckers which started with the aim of raising awareness about HIV during early 1990s, have grown multi-folds to encompass not only the standard strategies like mid-media events, interpersonal counselling and STI care for HIV prevention, but also innovations such as the use of business franchisee models, and integrated research and evidence based planning in the program. The possibilities of using new approaches such as male circumcision and the use of pre-exposure prophylaxes are underway. Conclusion: More studies are needed to explore helpers’ vulnerabilities to HIV. Very few studies have attempted to examine the impact of large-scale prevention programs among truckers. Efforts are required to examine the impact of different components of such programs to guide the HIV prevention efforts among truckers in India.