'Gupt rog' to be made pathway for HIV/STI prevention: experts

New Delhi, Aug 26 (UNI) Increasing involvement of practioners of Indian Systems of Medicine in prevention of 'Gupt rog' (secret illnesses related to sex or genetalia) could play a major role in reducing Sexually Transmitted diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, a study has revealed.

The study by a group of researchers from the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) Mumbai, Population Council, New Delhi, University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, USA and Institute of Community Research, USA has revealed that approximately half of the men who reported symptoms of 'gupt rog' went to non-allopathic health providers from AYUSH system of medicine.

''You ask me why I go to a sex worker. for many years, I have suffered early ejaculation due to masturbation as a youth. As a result, my wife is not satisfied and is not happy to have sex. So what to do-I go to women who do not complain and get satisfaction for a few rupees,'' was the general response received from men suffering from gupt rog and indulging in high risk behaviour.

In fact, the study conducted in three communities found that men are more concerned about sexual performance than they are about sexually transmitted diseases. Rather than rejecting this notion, the study group has seen gupt rog as a means of addressing sexual risk behavior and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Over the past six-years, the researchers conducted an experimental project called "Research and Intervention in Sexual Health: Theory to Action" (RISHTA) in three large slum communities in Mumbai. Using gupt rog as an entry point, researchers have successfully demonstrated the efficacy of engaging AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Sidha and Homeopathy) and allopathic providers in HIV/STI risk reduction among men.

Using surveys and biological testing techniques, RISHTA has documented the impact of its intervention programmes. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in men's extra-marital sex behaviors and gonorrhoea/Chlamydia prevalence in the study communities over time. Changes in several other outcome indicators measured in the project were more pronounced in provider intervention communities than the control community.

The studies have two important findings to be implemented by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) in its HIV/AIDS Control programme, said Dr Ravi K Verma. He said the study revealed that 80 per cent to 90 per cent of men having gupt rog were never tested for STI or HIV as they generally did not approach allopathic doctors.

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