title: Understanding the experiences and needs of female commercial sex workers in Kathmandu, Nepal.
abstract: Through this exploratory study, we sought to better understand Nepali female commercial sex workers' (FCSWs') experiences in order to inform HIV prevention and health promotion interventions for this vulnerable and hard-to-reach population. Data were collected through phenomenological interviews with eight FCSWs. Through analysis we reveal promising intervention points to enhance FCSW health, empowerment, and overall well-being. Researchers suggest a combination of structural and individual programs is essential to improving the circumstances of Nepali FCSWs and preventing the spread of HIV. Given Nepal's limited resources and complex environment, it is imperative future prevention programs are focused and guided by FCSWs' lived experiences.
authors.affiliation: a John Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health , Baltimore , Maryland , USA.
authors.forename: Michelle R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Kaufman
authors.affiliation: b Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Harman
authors.affiliation: b Department of Psychology , Colorado State University , Fort Collins , Colorado , USA.
authors.forename: Lauren M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Menger
authors.affiliation: c United States Educational Foundation , Kathmandu , Nepal.
authors.forename: Deepti Khati
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Shrestha
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D009390:Nepal / Q000453:epidemiology; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011477:Sex Work; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000523:psychology*; D057545:Social Stigma; D014754:Violence