Sexual Behavior of Female Sex Workers in Makassar, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual workers have been considered a core group for HIV and Sexual Transmission Diseases (STDs). Their risk is higher than women in the general population. As a developing country, Indonesia is no exception, where sexual transmission has become the main driver for the development of the epidemic in recent years. The survey result of Makassar's AIDS Eradication Commission in 2014 showed that the number of FSWs in Makassar increased. The high number of FSWs in Makassar affect the number of HIV/AIDS cases apparently. Method: This study used data from a rapid survey conducted by Makassar AIDS Eradication Commission in 2013. The survey was carried out to gain information about the sexual behaviour of FSWs in Makassar. The number of sample was 240 in which sampling was carried out using the C-Survey program system. A systematic questionnaire was used to gather data from FSWs, and data was analyzed by using STATA program. Result: Most of the FSWs in this study are aged between 36-40 years old (27.9%). For the last sexual intercourse, most of the FSWs offered a condom to their clients (85.0%). However, the number of clients who used a condom for intercourse was lower that is 77.5%. The main reason why clients refuse to use a condom is that they are uncomfortable. Conclusion: The awareness of FSWs to offer a condom is higher than the willingness of clients to use a condom consistently. Keywords: Sexual Behaviour; Condom Use; Female Sexual Workers; Makassar.