Understanding Sociocultural Factors Contributing to HIV Risk Among Ayoreo Bolivian Sex Workers.
The Bolivian indigenous Ayoreo ethnic people are vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections and HIV. Ayoreo women who also work in sex trades belong to an extremely high-risk group, and prevention programs are not delivering effective outcomes for them. The aim of our study was to explore, describe, and understand behavioral and cultural patterns related to sexual and reproductive health in Ayoreo sex workers. A qualitative-ethnographic study was designed; data were collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews with sex workers and key informants. Two fundamental themes contributing to HIV risk for female Ayoreo sex workers in Bolivia emerged: reproductive/sexual freedom and sociocultural risk determinants. We concluded that the in-depth examination of the sexual-reproductive culture amongst the Ayoreo has provided useful information, which might contribute to the cultural adaptation and design of future policies and prevention programs for sexually transmitted infections and HIV in this group.
Olga María
OM
López Entrambasaguas
José
J
Granero-Molina
Jose
J
Hernández-Padilla
Cayetano
C
Fernández-Sola
D000328:Adult; D000884:Anthropology, Cultural; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control*
Bolivia; HIV; ethnonursing; sexual and reproductive health; transcultural health