Socio-Economic Status, HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Stigma, and Sexual Behavior in India

Abstract:     
Using data from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS-3), this paper analyzes the socioeconomic correlates of sexual behavior, HIV/AIDS knowledge and stigma in India. The main findings are that, overall, the Indian population is faithful and abstains from sex with very small variations across socioeconomic classes. However, given the large size of the population, there is still room for some concern as condom use is low, knowledge about the disease is poor, and stigma is high; especially with respect to less educated, poorer, single males and women in general. Obvious policy recommendations are; therefore, to increase condom distribution and awareness, increase very heavily HIV/AIDS basic education, and promote women empowerment with respect to sexual choices.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 29

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Condom, Stigma, and India

JEL Classification: C13, C25, O53

working papers series