Risky Behaviors among HIV-Positive Female Sex Workers in Northern Karnataka, India

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2013-1-9
Authors
Jadhav, Apoorva
Bhattacharjee, Parinita
Raghavendra, T.
Blanchard, James
Moses, Stephen
Isac, Shajy
Halli, Shiva S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract

Purpose. Little is known about the risky sexual behaviors of HIV-positive female sex workers (FSWs) in the developing world, which is critical for programmatic purposes. This study aims to shed light on their condom use with regular clients as well as husband/cohabiting partner, a first in India. Methods. Multivariate logistic regression analyses for consistent condom use with regular clients and husband/cohabiting partner are conducted for the sample of 606 HIV-positive FSWs. Results. Older FSWs are 90% less likely and nonmobile FSWs are 70% less likely to consistently use condoms. FSWs on ART are 3.84 times more likely to use condoms. Additionally, FSWs who changed their occupation after HIV diagnosis are 70% less likely to use condoms. FSWs who are currently cohabiting are more likely to consistently use condoms with repeat clients and are 3.22 times more likely to do so if they have felt stigma associated with being HIV-positive. FSWs who have multiple repeat clients, and who do not know the sexual behavior of these clients, are more likely to use condoms consistently. Conclusion. This study would help inform programs to target the following particularly vulnerable HIV-positive FSWs: those who are older, those who changed their occupation post-HIV diagnosis, and those who are nonmobile.

Description
Keywords
Citation
Apoorva Jadhav, Parinita Bhattacharjee, T. Raghavendra, et al., “Risky Behaviors among HIV-Positive Female Sex Workers in Northern Karnataka, India,” AIDS Research and Treatment, vol. 2013, Article ID 878151, 7 pages, 2013. doi:10.1155/2013/878151