HYDERABAD: They are young, vibrant and independent and they set trends, but at the same time, are most vulnerable to HIV.

An independent study conducted by Satyam Foundation on youth in the 18-24 year age group, both male and female, in Andhra Pradesh has found that casual sex is no more taboo with them. In fact, 90 per cent of their casual flings were unprotected, unless with commercial sex workers (CSW).

According to the study, which was conducted among students living alone, employees in their first/second year of employment in IT/BPO and other professional streams predominantly in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, prevalence of non-regular sex partners was found to be the highest in

Non-regular partners

Andhra Pradesh while the usage of condoms with non-regular partners was a mere 25 per cent.

Again, contrary to general perception, educated youth from urban settings were found to be blissfully ignorant about the virus.

More shockingly, the study notes that youth in the State believe myths like `HIV cannot be contracted in one go' and that it existed only amongst the lower income strata and CSWs.

Some believe that the virus can be transmitted only by proximity with CSWs, hence sexual activity with friends and individuals with similar socio-economic backgrounds is safe.

"The use of condoms and sex do not co-exist," said the respondents in the study. A lot of youth preferred middle-aged women, mostly neighbours, because "she is safer" on their HIV index.

Aping the West

In cities like Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Guntur and West Godavari, Prakasam districts and others, youth, especially urbanites aped the "styles and behaviour perceived as Western."

The understanding of their own sexuality came from "Western sexual behaviours" as portrayed in films, media, Internet and others.

Youth were found to be much more bold in their attitude towards sexual experimentation than they were in the past, said the report. College girls and colleagues were willing sexual partners.

"The shame, fear and risk of being seen with CSWs is no longer there, since other opportunities exist," it noted.

`Wrong signals'

However, despite today's urban youth being expressive, it was embarrassing for them to buy condoms from medical stores, the study said.

Another misconception with condoms is that a person who has them is perceived as an `expert' sending the `wrong signals' to girls.

On the other hand, "girls insist on condoms more for fear of pregnancy than fear of contracting infections."

Interestingly, most middle class parents were found to believe only in the `good' side of their wards and refused to subscribe to the view that he/she "could be active in this high-risk environment," said the report.

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