Second report of AIDS related attitudes and sexual practices of the Jakarta Waria (male transvestites) in 1995.

As the second part of a community based educational campaign to convey the risk of HIV/AIDS to commercial sex workers in Jakarta, from May-July 1995, a total of 253 male transvestites (WARIA) were questioned about their sexual behavior patterns and their knowledge and attitude toward HIV/AIDS. In the previous report, 1991-1993, there was one out of 830 WARIA found HIV positive in November 1993. In this study, 1995, a total of two out of 253 WARIA were confirmed of HIV infection in July 1995. Most of them still have incorrect knowledge on HIV/AIDS transmission mode, they are still practicing high risk sexual attitudes such as an exchange partner rate of 5 men per three weeks, low condom use (1.2 out of the last 5 sexual contacts). The reasons for not using condoms were forgetfulness 35.3% and partner does not like condom 38.2% Most of WARIA know about condoms (94.5%), but it is difficult to access condom use from small shops around them. Therefore, to prevent further spread of HIV/AIDS in WARIA, condom should be used constantly and properly. It has been shown from another study, that more information, better availability and better promotion of condoms can increase condom use. Thus, attention should be placed on various ways of distributing condoms for WARIA in Jakarta, especially community-based distribution by peer leaders, social marketing and commercial sales.

AIDS related attitudes and sexual practices of the Jakarta WARIA (male transvestites).

As part of a community based educational campaign to convey the risk of HIV infection and AIDS to commercial sex workers in Jakarta, over 600 male transvestites (WARIA) were questioned about their sexual behavior patterns and their knowledge and attitude towards HIV infection and AIDS. Most expressed a genuine fear about AIDS, but they stated they did not have sufficient information to determine if their risk of infection, at this time, was great enough to command a change in their sexual conduct. Among the group who felt they were not at risk for HIV infection, 40% had 8 or more different sex partners per week. Low risk receptive oral sex, thigh massage (simulated vaginal sex) and masturbation of the client were routine activities but high risk receptive anal sex without condoms was most common. Despite such high risk behavior, the WARIA community remains free of HIV infections. However, if they refuse to accept the endorsement of their peer leaders and they fail to alter their sexual behavior because of an unawareness of their risk, that status will change soon.