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Sexual behaviour, drug use and hepatitis B infection in Chandigarh students
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Background:
The relationship of hepatitis B virus infection with drug use and sexual activity in Indian college students has not been studied earlier.
Methods:
We studied this relationship in Chandigarh, using a prospective, cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey and blood tests for hepatitis B markers. The responders were assured of the confidentiality of their responses and blood test results.
Results:
Of the 1311 students who participated, 192 (15%) were sexually active. Eight-four per cent of them were heterosexual, 7.3% homosexual and 8.7% bisexual. Thirty-seven per cent of heterosexuals and 36% of homosexuals had more than one partner. Condoms were used by 24% heterosexuals, 11% bisexuals and 7% homosexuals. Of the sera tested, 2.9% were hepatitis B surface antigen positive and 10.4% were positive for the antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen. Fifteen per cent consumed alcohol, but only 1.6% were addicted to other drugs. Two students were intravenous drug users. Eleven per cent had donated blood at least once and a third of these had suffered from jaundice in the past.
Conclusion:
The pattern of sexual behaviour, low condom use and the small but definite prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in this population of students suggests that the human immunodeficiency virus infection may spread rapidly when it enters this community.