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International Journal of Advanced Research
Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
Data sources: Crossref
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SOCIAL AND STRUCTURAL DRIVERS OF HIV RISK AMONG HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS IN AIZAWL CITY, MIZORAM

Authors: Laltlankimi Laltlankimi; Benjamin L. Saitluanga;

SOCIAL AND STRUCTURAL DRIVERS OF HIV RISK AMONG HIGH-RISK POPULATIONS IN AIZAWL CITY, MIZORAM

Abstract

This study investigates the social and structural drivers shaping HIV risk among high-risk populations (HRGs)Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) and Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Aizawl City, Mizoram, the epicentre of Indias HIV epidemic. While behavioural factors remain important, the research emphasizes the wider social, economic, and spatial conditions that frame vulnerability and constrain prevention efforts. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 354 IDUs and 22 FSWs during 2021 through Targeted Intervention (TI) programmes using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed through both descriptive statistics and thematic interpretation to understand the intersection of structural and behavioural risk factors. Findings reveal that HIV vulnerability in Aizawl is deeply embedded in socioeconomic marginalization, housing instability, and limited access to harm reduction services. IDUs are predominantly young males engaged in poly-substance use and risky injecting practices driven by withdrawal symptoms, syringe scarcity, and fear of policing. FSWs, mostly young and married, face heightened HIV prevalence due to inconsistent condom use, economic dependency, and concealed sex work within domestic spaces. Structural constraints such as criminalization, stigma, and spatial exclusion, particularly in neighborhoods like Dawrpui and Venghlui, create spaces of risk that perpetuate the epidemic.The study underscores the need for spatially sensitive interventions that integrate social protection, harm reduction, and gender-responsive approaches into HIV prevention strategies in Mizoram.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
gold