A community-based study conducted in the tribal districts of Chamba, Kinnaur, and Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh has revealed that one in every five individuals reported symptoms associated with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) during the past year. The study was carried out by the Tribal Development Department in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine at Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, surveying 3,000 people aged between 15 and 49 years.
Prevalence of STD Symptoms
The findings showed that the overall prevalence of at least one STD-related syndrome stood at 20 percent. Among the three districts, Chamba recorded the highest prevalence at 24.2 percent, followed by Kinnaur at 20.1 percent and Lahaul-Spiti at 15.7 percent. Males constituted 54.3 percent of the respondents, while females accounted for 45.7 percent.
Low Adoption of Preventive Measures
The study also highlighted low adoption of preventive measures. Only 24.9 percent of respondents reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter, while more than 33 percent said they had never used condoms. Screening for HIV and hepatitis was found to be extremely low, with only two percent of participants ever undergoing testing.
Awareness Gaps Persist
Researchers noted that although awareness about STDs was moderate, major gaps persisted in understanding prevention and risk factors. While nearly 72 percent of respondents had heard of STDs, only 46.6 percent were aware that condom use could help prevent transmission. The study underscores the need for targeted health education and improved access to screening services in these remote tribal areas.
