A Study on Male Homosexual Behavior in India

INTRODUCTION:

Male homosexual behavior carries a high risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Ignorance regarding the associated high risk, indulgence inspite of no natural homosexual orientation and not using protective barrier methods can affect the sexual health of adolescents and adults.

AIM:

To assess the proportion of men who have sex with men (MSM) having a natural homosexual orientation compared to those who had acquired the homosexual behavior initially under various circumstances (such as due to certain misconceptions, fear of having heterosexual contact, peer pressure, and influence of alcohol). (2) To assess the level of awareness regarding increased risk of transmission of STIs associated with homosexual behavior and regarding protective barrier methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

After obtaining consent from the subjects, questionnaire - based interview used for obtaining data for this observational (cross-sectional) study.

RESULTS:

Of the 50 subjects, only about 25% had interest in homosexual behavior prior to initial episode. About 50% subjects indulged in homosexual behavior due to lack/fear of having heterosexual contact. About 60% subjects believed that homosexual behavior carried relatively lower risk of acquiring STIs and 68% subjects have had unprotected contact. About 70% subjects had only acquired this behavior and nearly 60% subjects were interested in heterosexual marriage and not interested in further homosexual behavior.

CONCLUSION:

Homosexuality is a natural orientation in some and an acquired behavior in the rest. If homosexual behavior is acquired, due to misconceptions, then imparting sex education and awareness regarding involved risks, and the importance of protective barrier methods will prevent ignorance driven behavior. For those with natural homosexual orientation, the importance of protective barrier methods in homosexual behavior needs emphasis.

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/B1m45m

By:   Ramachandran R¹, Viswanath S², Elangovan P³, Saravanan N⁴.

¹Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, SRM Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India.

²Institute of Venereology, Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, India.

³Department of Dermatology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, India.

⁴Department of Dermatology, Madras Medical College and Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, Chennai, India.

Indian J Sex Transm Dis. 2015 Jul-Dec;36(2):154-7. doi: 10.4103/0253-7184.167153.

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