HIV risk perceptions, knowledge and behaviours among female sex workers in two cities in Turkmenistan.
This paper describes HIV risk behaviour patterns among street- and bar-based female sex workers in the Turkmenistan cities of Ashgabat and Mary. Street-based sex workers had little to no knowledge of HIV and primarily used condoms when condom use was initiated by clients. Bar-based sex workers had HIV knowledge and reported regularly using condoms mainly with first-time clients. While sex workers perceived themselves to be at low risk for acquiring HIV, they were aware of other sexually transmitted infections (STI) and expressed a strong desire for free STI testing and treatment services.
Chariyeva
Z
Z
Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. zulfia@unc.edu
Colaco
R
R
Maman
S
S
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D014423:Turkmenistan