AEGiS-14IAC: Need of counseling and condom educationin commercial sex workers-a study.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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Need of counseling and condom educationin commercial sex workers-a study.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. D11160)

Goparaju S, Gora J, Seetharaman H
Vasavya nursing home, Vijayawada-520010, India

ISSUES: The effect of education/awareness activities on the incidence of HIV/AIDS infections in commercial sex workers includes health and prevention methods such as condom education.

DESCRIPTION: The prevalence of commercial sex workers is a problem in all urban areas. It is this section of the population, which is affected most by the problem of HIV/AIDS. A study was undertaken in Vijayawada to address the need for prevention and protection from HIV/AIds. Commercial Sex Workers (CSWs) were mobilized and counseling was given. Screening tests were completed in the health camps.

ISSUES: 1. Maximum number are in the age group of 15-20 years. 70-80% have Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) out of which 40-70% are also infected with HIV. 2. After counseling condom education, the rate of STDs fell very low. 3. Educational status ranges from 30-80%, maximum number being in the age group of 15-20 years. After counseling in the age group of 15-25 years, the educated CSWs are very strict in usage of condoms by their clients. Due to this realization in the later years, majority of CSws are free from sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection. 4. After counseling on condom education, those who were tested negative for HIV at the time of examination, their sexually transmitted diseased rate was found to be between 20-27%. Later, HIV was tested positive in 8-20% in a span of 3 years. RECOMMENDATION: 1. Counseling and recommendation of safe sex is essential to reduce the rate of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and HIV infection. 2. Media and social workers should play an important role in educating these people. 3. Guidance to these Commercial Sex Workers for an alternative way of earning is essential.

Keywords: AEGIS, Condoms, Prostitution, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Counseling, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Prevalence, Health Services Needs and Demand, Safe Sex, Incidence, Infection, Health Education, Research, Human, EducationKWDaegis,condoms,prostitution,sexuallytransmitteddiseases,counseling,hivinfections,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,prevalence,healthservicesneedsanddemand,safesex,incidence,infection,healtheducation,research,human,education

020707
D11160

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.