Risk perceptions, prevention and treatment seeking for sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS among female sex workers in Kano, Nigeria.
We examined the risk perceptions, prevention and treatment seeking for HIV/AIDS/STIs of 124 female commercial sex workers from 52 randomly selected brothels in Kano, Nigeria using a descriptive cross sectional design. We analysed the data using Epi Info 3.5.1. The mean age of the sex workers was 26.4 +/- 1.9 years, and most were indigenous Hausas (33.9%), single (50.8%) and had at least secondary school level of education (51.7%). Majority perceived that unprotected sexual intercourse (96.0%) is the commonest risk factor associated with STIs and HIV/AIDs acquisition. Surprisingly, 25.8% did not believe that any method protect against STIs and HIV/AIDS. The most common symptom reported was perineal itching (53.6%); and 60.7% with the symptoms continued to have unprotected sex. Alarmingly, 29.6% of the sex workers were HIV positive, and all continued with unprotected sexual intercourse with clients. Despite the sex workers' good perception and knowledge of HIV/AIDS/STIs prevention, they demonstrated unhealthy sex behaviour and treatment seeking. We recommend a peer education package that targets the workers and their clients, with focus on reducing risk behaviours associated with STIs and HIV transmission, safer sex; and treatment seeking.
Department of Community Medicine, Bayero University and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria. drlawanumarus@yahoo.com
U M
UM
Lawan
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Abubakar
Aisha
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Ahmed
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult