AEGiS-15IAC: Using free list methodology to enhance program activities for sex workers in ten regions in Russia.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Using free list methodology to enhance program activities for sex workers in ten regions in Russia.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. E10274)

Bardakova LI
UNFPA CO, Moscow, Russian Federation

ISSUES: Sex workers are a traditionally stigmatized group. Many misconceptions exist in popular cultures about sex workers. Therefore it is important for organizations working with sex workers to systematically collect information that will generate an evidence-based understanding of the situation of sex workers.

DESCRIPTION: This paper presents an efficient method - free lists - to collect information on the sex workers. The study shows that the free list technique is well-suited for rapid research of commercial sex workers because it is very quick, confidential, solicits information about a group of people and it is both easy to implement and to analyze. This technique gives the possibility to know about reasons of becoming sex worker, their problems and solutions. As for organizations, they can use this tool for exploring innovative ideas to address the problems of sex workers in Russia.

LESSONS LEARNED: The free lists generated some ideas previously held concerning sex workers in Russia. They also generated a stimulating list of innovative hypotheses for activities for organization intervene with sex workers in Russia.

RECOMMENDATIONS: The situation of sex workers in Russia is complex and dynamic. Including sex workers in the programming planning process is an easy and efficient way to generate new insight into the situation of sex workers and should be an intrinsic part of intervention programs.

Keywords: AEGIS, Prostitution, Research, Organizations, Health Planning Guidelines, Mass Media, Russia, methods, utilization

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