Targeted Interventions to Improve the Health of Female Sex Workers in Amritsar: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals working in the sex industry continue to experience many negative health outcomes such as sexually transmitted infections and HIV/ AIDS, owing to lack of knowledge, careless attitude, inaccessibility of contraceptives or practice of unprotected sex.Aims/objectives: To assess the targeted interventions done to improve the health of female sex workers (FSWs) in Amritsar. Material & Methods:This cross-sectional study, in 4 randomly selected hotspot areas under targeted intervention (TI) included 180 FSWs after obtaining written informed consent. We used one to one interview for collecting required information on structured questionnaire. The data was compiled using Microsoft excel and analyzed using EpiInfo07 by calculating proportions and inferential statistics.Results: Age of study participants ranged from 19-45 years and most (66%) belonged to middle socio-economic class. Majority (73%) were in the profession for 3-5 years. Majority i.e. 98% underwent regular health checkups and HIV testing conducted by T.I. site. None was HIV positive. All FSWs (100%) were provided condom regularly by T.I. site. 85% reported to have knowledge about STIs. 95% reported regular conduction of health education programs by T.I. site. Conclusion:Targeted interventions play a key role in conducting regular health check-ups of FSWs, imparting knowledge about STIs, its prevention and provision of condoms.