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Abstract
The level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS of sex workers in Bangladesh
M R Ullah
Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Pathumthani 12120, Thailand
This paper attempts to explore the reasons for choosing the profession of prostitution; to know the level of knowledge about the STDs/HIV/AIDS and how do they intend to prevent this pandemic and to know who the customers are. A total of 221 respondents from three types of prostitutes were interviewed. Reasons are many that pushed the girls and women into the profession of prostitution. Most of them claimed that either their husbands' income was not sufficient or husband showed irresponsibility as reasons for choosing it. The highest number of floating prostitutes (25%) admitted that they chose it for survival followed by easy-earning, and husband's irresponsibility. Of the floating, none was found to choose it willingly. Reasons such as husbands' remarriage, selling out by husbands and/or relatives came next. The highest number of hotel prostitutes (22%) chose this profession only for livelihood, while easy-earning followed (18%). About 13% said they chose it willingly, while 11% claimed poverty for leading them into prostitution. The highest number of brothel prostitute (25%) reported of selling out in the brothels, while 12% showed reasons of husband's remarriage and 11% got profession as inheritance. Drivers, students and businesspersons were the main customers among others to visit them. Knowledge on STDs/HIV/AIDS was found to be poor among these sex workers. Among all the groups, 36% did not know about it, while 22% knew well, followed by know little (21%) and heard only (21%). The highest number of brothel prostitutes (38%) were found to know well, while it was lowest (8%) for floating prostitutes. Nearly 41% of brothel prostitutes and 34% of the hotel prostitutes intended to prevent this pandemic by using condom, while it was 18% for floating. Of the total, 29% thought cleansing with water helps prevent this pandemic.
Awareness on STDs/HIV/AIDS should receive urgent attention so that they consider compulsory to use condom during entertainment.
The XIV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
E11621
Suggested Citation
" M R Ullah ,
The level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS of sex workers in Bangladesh
.
Print Only:
The XIV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
E11621"
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