more casual sex,, more risks

Madhavi Rajadhyaksha I TNN

Mumbai: Collegians today are more likely to have casual sex with friends, classmates, neighbours and relatives rather than visit commercial sex workers, according to a three-year study of male college students in Maharashtra.
Researcher Jayanta Kumar Basu of the Family Planning Association of India, who interviewed college students, observed that the proportion of students who had intercourse with CSW s declined from 23 % in 2004 to 3 % in 2008. During the same period, the percentage of students who had sex with friends and others increased from 11 % in 2004 to 16 % in 2008.
"Boys preferred friends to CSWs, as they had to spend less money on sex. They also perceived a much lower risk of contracting HIV with friends and others," said Basu.

The study surveyed students in leading colleges in seven districts of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Thane and Nagpur, in 2004, 2006 and 2008. Over the years, the students seemed to be as sexually active as their seniors, and 36 % of boys and 11 % of girls admitted to being sexually active.

· Nearly 18% of the interviewees in 2006 and '08 admitted to being sexually active

· More than 36% of male students had non-penetrative sex with women, while 23% had penetrative sex

· First female partner was friend or classmate for 61% of students, neighbour for 17%, commercial sex worker for 12% and relative for 8%

· Most college-going boys in the state lose their virginity at 18.5 years

Basu considers the move towards casual sex "worrisome". Researchers learned during detailed discussions with the collegians that boys tended to disregard safety when they engaged in sex with friends and neighbours.