Perception of sex workers of Lucknow City, Uttar Pradesh, India towards sexually transmitted infections

Abstract

The prevention, control, and management of sexually transmitted infections/reproductive tract infection (STI/RTI) are well-recognized cost-effective strategies for controlling the spread of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). A cross-sectional descriptive study was done over a period of 1 year to assess the prevalence of STI, knowledge level about STI, and the STI-HIV link among the female sex workers (FSWs) of Lucknow city, Uttar Pradesh, India along with their biosocial characteristics. Most of the FSWs were illiterate, married, Hindus, and belonged to general category. The prevalence rates of STI among street-based and home-based FSWs were 50.6% and 29.8%, respectively. Knowledge about the role of condom in prevention of STI and the STI-HIV link was significantly less among home-based FSWs than those who are street-based. There is a great lack in the awareness among FSWs regarding STI and their prevention. Behavior change communication (BCC) and advocacy strategy were developed, especially for the home-based group, to strengthen their knowledge regarding the STI-HIV link.

Predictors of inconsistent condom use among female sex workers: A Community-based study in a red-light area of Kolkata, India

“…(42.9% FSWs used condom “always” with regular partners, whereas with nonregular partners, this value was 69%). [ 18 ] Although the present study did not differentiate between “regular” and nonregular/occasional clients, it was not hard to conceptualize the notion of trust played a role in such cases too. In a study in China, 33.6% of FSWs had ever had sex without a condom because clients paid more money.…”

Correlates of HIV prevalence among female sex workers in four north and east Indian states: findings of a national bio-behavioural survey

“…7 A study conducted in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh found home- and street-based FSWs to be the most common typologies. 8 However, rising injecting drug use (IDU) prevalence in Punjab and UP in recent years indicates a concentration of the HIV epidemic in both injecting drug users and FSWs in these states. 5 Studies have found that IDU activity amplifies HIV risk for FSWs by means of unprotected sex with an IDU client and/or drug use by the FSWs themselves.…”