Knowledge, attitude, and practice about HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men in Belgaum: A cross-sectional study

Background: AIDS epidemic is major public health emergency and young people are bearing the main brunt of the new infection worldwide. MSM constitute a high risk group for sexually transmitted infections including HIV in many parts of the world. Objectives: To assess knowledge, attitude of HIV/AIDS and sexual practices among MSM residing in city of Belgaum. Methodology: Cross sectional study was conducted at Sweekar NGO for MSM. Based on the Sampling Procedure and inclusion Criteria 50% of MSM were selected for the study. Therefore the sample size for this study was 416. Data collection was done using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire. Results: A total of 416 MSM were interviewed by the trained peer workers. Majority of them (27.64%) were in 25-30 years of age. Majority of them had good knowledge of modes of transmission of HIV(90.38%), its prevention (98.09%), availability of treatment (89.66%). 61.30% were having good knowledge of symptoms. Friend was the first sexual partner for 67.89% participants. Half of the participants were performing both anal and oral form sex. Conclusion: Although the knowledge of modes of transmission, symptoms, investigations, treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS has been good among the MSM but prevention was not been practiced by most. NGOs working with MSM need to organize some interventions aimed at changing the harmful sexual practices into healthy practices.