After failing to control the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), through medical interventions, scientists will now take psychological and sociological routes to tackle the problem. They will also find out whether the spreading of HIV is connected to domestic violence.
Since the spread of HIV and other STDs is largely connected with human behaviour, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has sought the help of scientists to explore psychological, social and structural issues to bring down incidence. The study is part of an Indo-US joint research initiative on the reduction of STDs and HIV in India.
Calling for new approaches, the ICMR, in its latest circular, noted that “psychological, social and structural issues increase HIV transmission and acquisition risk”. The country’s premier medical research body has also sought the help of scientists in evaluating the inter-relationships of domestic violence and HIV transmission in long-standing relationships. Behavioural and social interactions would be the focus of the study.
Scientists will carry out a broad range study of populations, including men and women, who are at risk of HIV/AIDS infection. They will also study HIV or STD-infected infants and children.