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Abstract
Male sex workers and poverty
S. Tamang, Male Sex Workers
Issues:
Male sex workers (msw´s) are considered to be one of the high-risk groups driving the epidemic of HIV/AIDS because of exposure of multiple partners and inconsistent use of condoms. Poverty has also been fingered as a twin problem militating against the effective prevention and impact mitigation of HIV/AIDS in Nepal among this group. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of sex workers in relation to HIV/AIDS and poverty.
Description:
A study was conducted in five random semi – urban sites in Nepal where BDS has held HIV/STIS intervention 408 msw aged 15 – 48 years working in disco/brothels/street were targeted. In addition to quantative data, qualitative data (from interviews and outreach) was also used to collect data.
Lessons learned:
Average age was 23 years. Knowledge about use of condoms as a means of preventing HIV was very high however only 52.3% of them reported consistent use of condoms. 25% reported not using condoms with special regular "clients, boy friend and husband". At that time of study 18% of the msws had ever tested for HIV while 91% report willingness to use VCT services. Out of the 19 % who tested, 49% tested positive, when asked if they (positive msws) were still actively engaged in sex work, 87% of them replied reported engaging in unprotected sex as a last resort when faced with extreme lack most often expressing the belief that "God will save me". In most cases, it is at the insistence of the client that unprocted sex takes place.
Recommendations:
Absolute dependence of sex workers on the income derived from the clients increased their risk of getting infected with HIV therefore BDS developed economic development programs for msws where they were trained on various income generating skills and a few of them were assisted.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WEPE0610
Suggested Citation
"S.Tamang, et al.
Male sex workers and poverty.
Poster discussion:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WEPE0610"
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