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Abstract
RTI/STI/ HIV threat factors among adolescent female laborers in Virudhunagar district
E. Thiruvalluvan, M.R. Ravi, M. Mohana
Background:
Adolescents constitute 20.1% India’s population. Adolescents also contribute to a sizable child labor force who face multitude problems ranging from physical humiliation to psychological disturbance. Neglection of the needs of these adolescents and other threat factors, contribute to the poor quality of life and high risk for HIV. Hence this study was conducted to asses the various threat faced by the adolescent working girls.
Methods:
A pre tested structured interview schedule was administered on 500 adolescent working girls to collect qualitative and quantitative data pertaining to knowledge about STI/HIV/AIDS and sexual threat and health seeking behavior.
Result:
The study has found that 80% of the respondents were not aware of RTI and its causes. Respondents were forced into sex by the co-workers (28%), factory supervisor (26%) and employer themselves (5%). Condom usage was reported by only 8.82 % of the respondents. Twenty two percentage of adolescents had seen a man and woman having sex perhaps at the workshop which would have evoked unwanted curiosity among the respondents. RTI, particularly ulcer in sex organ was reported by 9% of adolescent girls.
Conclusions:
These findings indicate that adolescent working girls are definitely at a greater risk and close to half of them facing risk of HIV infection. Forced sex by co-workers significantly contributes the threat and poorer quality of life. Urgent actions are needed to ensure safe working environment combined with RTI clinics and sensitization campaign.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
CDC0718
Suggested Citation
"E.Thiruvalluvan, et al.
RTI/STI/ HIV threat factors among adolescent female laborers in Virudhunagar district.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
CDC0718"
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