title: Women's voices: attitudes and behaviors of female Ghanaian sex workers regarding HIV prevention and AIDS-related stigma.
abstract: Attitudes and behaviors of sex workers have a pivotal influence on the spread of AIDS. A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken to elicit Ghanaian female sex workers' perspectives regarding effective methods of HIV prevention, sources of AIDS-related stigma, and challenges associated with sex work. Women described that: (1) sex work is hard; (2) they felt God would protect their health; (3) staying safe is both a gift and a priority; (4) sex work allows for autonomy; and (5) AIDS-related stigma is very real. To design effective prevention programs it is necessary to consider the culture and perspectives of those who will be served.
authors.affiliation: California State University, Sacramento, Division of Nursing, Sacramento, California, USA. bonnie.raingruber@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
authors.forename: Bonnie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Raingruber
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uwazie
authors.forename: Sylvester
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bowie
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D002423:Cause of Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D005869:Ghana; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000401:mortality / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D055815:Young Adult