AEGiS-11IAC: Focus group discussions with female commercial sex workers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: diversity in the perception of sexuality and sex work.

11th International AIDS Conference

Vancouver, British Columbia — July 7-12, 1996

Focus group discussions with female commercial sex workers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: diversity in the perception of sexuality and sex work.

Int Conf AIDS 1996 Jul 7-12; 11:487 (abstract no. Pub.D.1319)
Szterenfeld C, Fonseca Z, Alonso L, Vieira EM, Fernandes ME; PIM-Programa Integrado de Marginalidade, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fax: 55-11-205-4796.

OBJECTIVES: To obtain in depth information on HIV/AIDS related risk behavior and to learn about current concerns and perceptions of preventive practices among CSWs working in five different prostitution sites in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil.

METHODS: Focus group discussion were conducted in five areas of R.J.: downtown, central station, harbor, South zone and a low income municipality of Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area (Caxias). Discussions took place in different available spaces near to prostitution sites (e.g. a rented hotel room, a borrowed classroom, in a church). Group (G) size ranged from 6 to 8 people and a total of 37 CSWs agreed to participate of the discussion which lasted about 90 minutes. Two psychologists conducted the discussions with CSWs after obtaining verbal consent and assuring participants of confidentiality. One of the psychologist acted as a moderator and the other as an observer and note taker. The topic guide included discussions on safer sex, condom use practices with commercial and non commercial partners, violence, drug abuse, body and pleasure, family relations, and civil rights. Other topics of major interest for participants emerged spontaneously during discussions. Researchers summarized each discussion based on observation and notes.

RESULTS: Discussion was uneven among groups. All participants presented extra topics for discussion and results varied according to each prostitution site. G1 (Caxias) was well versed on HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention, the group knew where to seek for STD care and showed concerns towards HIV-infected women. They had strong moral objections about working in prostitution influenced by fundamentalist churches. The "hell's fire" and other kinds of punishment related to their type of work was mentioned as a reason to deny any kind of pleasure. G2 (downtown) rapidly brushed over proposed topics. Most of the time was spent discussing issues related to raising a child while working in prostitution. Topics such as when (if ever) to disclose one's work, family reactions, how to open up, what to say and what age would it be suitable to do so were discussed. G3 (South zone) talked extensively about HIV prevention techniques and other health issues. They declared enjoying the job not only for the money and offered information about sex work through agencies. G4 (central station) concentrated their discussion on basic survival needs. They spoke about how and why clients still refuse to use condoms and discussed how they make decisions over running risks based on day to day hardships, including heavy drugs consumption. G5 (harbor area) was mainly interested in health as related to make themselves look more attractive in order to get more clients and money faster. They stated that they often do not use condoms if client does not comply. According to this group life is short anyway and they rather have the money immediately to spend on their kids, family and drugs.

CONCLUSIONS: Diversity of concerns, perceptions and adoption of safer sex practices in the different areas in Rio de Janeiro point out to the need for differentiated interventions and activities. Focus group discussion were instrumental in showing additional topics that may attract CSWs to participate in project activities.

Keywords: AEGIS, Prostitution, Focus Groups, Sexuality, Condoms, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Risk-Taking, Perception, Condoms, Female, Safe Sex, Homosexuality, Male, Coitus, Work, Brazil, Human, Female, Child, manpower, ICA11

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PubD1319