AEGiS-14IAC: Addressing Issues of HIV/AIDS in caste-rigid rural areas in India.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

Addressing Issues of HIV/AIDS in caste-rigid rural areas in India.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11785)

Singh P, Nair RV, Shah S, Purohit A, Mora CJ, Shah RM
FXB Rajasthan Society, Sumerpur, India

ISSUES: Spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS issues is a very difficult job in rural India, especially in rural Rajasthan. A strong caste system and cultural barriers make discussion of HIV/AIDS related topics a Herculean task.

DESCRIPTION: In-depth surveys were carried out among 500 migrant workers' wives. Oral interviews were also performed. All interviews and questionnaires were conducted by trained female outreach workers.

LESSON LEARNED: This study indicates that migration is higher in some castes than in others, making it very difficult to impart knowledge about the spread of HIV/AIDS among them. Spouses of migrant workers from the so-called upper cast are not allowed to speak and freely express their thoughts on sexual issues. The talk is mainly done by the oldest man of the house.

RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. It is important to educate the elderly in the rural villages in Rajasthan on HIV/AIDS issues in order to enhance the impact of any HIV prevention campaign. 2. More female outreach workers need to be motivated and trained to come out and interact with the rural community.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Transients and Migrants, Rural Population, India, Data Collection, Emigration and Immigration, Human, Male, Female

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