Assessment of Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS amongFemale Sex Workers (FSWs) in Dessie Town.

Abstract

This cross sectional study was conducted in order to describe Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Dessie Town. The study population was female sex workers making their business from sex transaction. A total of 184 sex workers were interviewed by questionnaire and 18 sex workers were also addressed through focus group discussion during the period of from October 2013 to January 2014. A structured questionnaire dealing with socio-demographic characteristics, their knowledge about HIV and STI, condom use pattern, pattern of their sexual behaviour with clients and regular non-paying partners, risky behaviour like alcohol, chatt/katt and shisha use, the extent of Gender Based Violence among female sex workers. Results were presented in frequency and percentage with narration of Focus Group Discussion. The results demonstrate that most of the respondents are not educated higher, from poor family with the monthly income of less than 1000 birr(50USD) per month, most of sex workers engaged into sex work because of poverty, lack of support, parental death, divorce or being widowed and some of course due to peer pressure. Many sex workers have been engaged in a risky behaviour which lead to acquire HIV easily, they have multiple sexual partner and multiple times sexual action with different clients, most of the respondents also consume alcohol and Katt every day which make them not to use condom correctly and consistently if intoxicated. Majority of sex workers have better knowledge and awareness about HIV, correct and consistent use of condom with clients, how HIV will and will not be transmitted but their practice of using condom correctly and consistently is not as their knowledge and awareness demonstrated with inconsistent use of condom with paying clients and with their non-paying partners particularly. It is also found that majority of sex workers are facing different forms of gender based violence (physical, emotional and sexual violence) from insult to threatening by knife and forced sex, uncommon sexual position and forced not to use condom. It is recommended that HIV and STI prevention programs need to address the special needs of Sex Workers that drive them into the risky behaviours, there is need to establish the knowledge, attitude and sexual behaviour of the clients related to STI and HIV in order to come up with appropriate interventions. Through reduction of alcohol use among sex workers and clients it will be possible to reduce the prevalence of unprotected sex, sexual violence, HIV and other STIs. STI and HIV/AIDS interventions among sex workers should include adult and functional literacy to improve the benefit of the target population and those areas not identified and targeted for further Information, Education and Communication. There is a need to increase awareness on the

importance of correct and consistent condom use among sex workers with all paying clients and non-paying partners. Comprehensive HIV Prevention program must be scaled-up, policies and programs to ensure freedom from violence, abuse and discrimination need to be considered. All people selling sex must be protected from violence, coercion and other forms of abuse. Protection and legal services need to be responsive for all reported cases of violence against Female Sex Workers.