Substance Use and Its Association with Risky Sexual Behaviour among Indian Men: A Relative Risk Analysis from Socio-Demographic and Economic Groups

Abstract

Engagement in risky sexual behaviour after consuming different substances is more prevalent among Indian men. Sometimes, practicing risky sexual behaviour increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, among individuals. Around 6 percent of the adult Indian population are diagnosed with STDs every year. Thus, the chief purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the use of substances and engagement in risky sexual behaviour. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-square test of association, and multivariate binary logistic regression models were performed in this present study by using the data obtained from the NFHS-5 (2019–2021). The results showed that respondents who consumed alcohol were more likely to engage in extramarital sexual affairs (AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.79–2.09; p < 0.001) and sexual intercourse without any precautions (AOR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.17–1.29; p < 0.001). Poor socio-economic conditions and low levels of educational attainment were found as crucial factors for involvement in risky sexual behaviour. Increasing awareness among individuals through mass media may be considered an effective way to prevent risky sexual behaviour.