Substance Use, Violence and Sexual Risk Taking Behaviour among Young Men of Urban Slum in India

There is a large international body of research exploring the impact of substance use and alcohol abuse on sexual risk-taking behaviors, leading to an increased risk of HIV infection. This qualitative study is an exploration of additional pathways including masculinity norms and experience of violence.

The preliminary analysis found that initiation of drug use starts as early as age 10 among boys in the community. There is widespread availability of drugs in the community. Money for drugs is often obtained through hazardous jobs in the unorganized sector and transactional sex, mainly with men and older women in the community. Reasons for drug use and addiction are peer pressure, poverty, lack of livelihood opportunities, norms of masculinity, tension in relationships, and mere entertainment. Perceptions of the negative effects of drug consumption include decline in health, violence against women and girls in the community, and risky sexual behaviors leading to self-reported STI symptoms. The study results suggest multiple entry points for programs through religious leaders, youth clubs, schools and NGOs to address the masculinity norm and ways of coping with stress and family expectations regarding the financial contribution from young men and boys.

The results suggest that growth of slum communities due to urbanization without a substantial investment addressing social norms and financial needs, adolescent boys and young men in slum communities are predisposed to alcohol and drug use. This likely to increase the proportion of the population at an increased risk for HIV and violence if adequate measures are not taken urgently.