AEGiS-14IAC: A study of the magnitude of knowledge and commitment for action against HIV/AIDS amongst the commercial sex workers in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.

14th International AIDS Conference

Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

A study of the magnitude of knowledge and commitment for action against HIV/AIDS amongst the commercial sex workers in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. F11752)

Banerjee SB
Government, Howrah, India

ISSUES: HIV/AIDS awareness, condom use, commercial sex workers, literacy.

DESCRIPTION: About 300 commercial sex workers from a red light area at khalpara, siliguri, darjeeling in west bengal were included in the study regarding their level of awareness of HIV/AIDS/sexually transmitted diseases, use of condom vis-a-vis their standard of literacy.

ISSUES: The study shows that in spite of very poor literacy rate (only 3% of them could sign their names), at least 90% of them know what is sexually transmitted disease, how and how not the HIV/AIDS spreads, the role of condom in preventing their occupational health hazards.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This awareness they themselves admit is because of repeated sensitisation programmes with the help of flip charts, demonstrations, door to door campaigning and regular supply of good quality condoms. This study also shows that condom acceptance by the clientele of the commercial sex workers has reached a figure of 75% from a mere 5% in a period of 4 years from 1998-2001 which has played a pivotal role in bringing down the no. of sexually transmitted diseases and has been able to check the no. of HIV sero positivity. So, effective intervention programme amongst the targeted population should be continued with more entheusiasm and vigor.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Prostitution, HIV Infections, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Condoms, Knowledge, HIV Seropositivity, Safe Sex, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, India

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