Life Circumstances of Women Entering Sex Work in Nagaland, India

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 843-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn J. Bowen ◽  
Bernice Dzuvichu ◽  
Rachel Rungsung ◽  
Alexandra E. Devine ◽  
Jane Hocking ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: The study objective was to enhance understanding of female sex workers’ lives in Nagaland, India (one of the country’s highest HIV prevalence states), to inform the development of interventions to reduce HIV transmission and assist women who want to leave sex work. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (n = 220) and semi-structured interviews (n = 30) were conducted with sex workers. Topics included the following: life situation currently and at time of initial engagement in sex work, circumstances of first sex work occasion, and current patterns of sex work. Results: Participants’ lives at time of entry into sex work were socio-culturally and economically vulnerable as evidenced by the early age of sexual debut, low levels of education, unemployment, absence of protective male partners, and poor relationships with families. Participants experienced high levels of mobility, insecure accommodation, the need to financially support family, and the demand to give a portion of their income to others. The use of alcohol and other drugs, including heroin, was widespread. Discussion and conclusions: For these women, sex work can be seen as a pragmatic option for earning sufficient income to live. The women’s lives would be improved by strategies to promote their health, ensure their safety, and protect their rights as long as they are engaging in sex work. This is likely to benefit not only the sex workers but also their children, their families, and the wider community. The development of alternative employment opportunities is vital to protect against entry into sex work and to support women who want to exit sex work.

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 1186-1194
Author(s):  
Carmen H Logie ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Patrick Lalor ◽  
Davina Williams ◽  
Kandasi Levermore ◽  
...  

Sex workers’ work environment shapes HIV transmission dynamics. We applied the Structural HIV Determinants Framework to examine associations between the work environment of public spaces and HIV infection risks among sex workers in Jamaica, considering macro-structural (police harassment) and intrapersonal (depression) pathways. We implemented a cross-sectional survey with sex workers in Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and nearby towns in Jamaica. We conducted structural equation modeling to examine direct and indirect associations between place of sex work on HIV serostatus via mediators of police harassment and depression. Results indicate that public place of sex work had a significant indirect effect on self-reported HIV-positive serostatus; depression and police harassment mediated this relationship. Findings suggest that in contexts of criminalization, the sex work environment can elevate exposure to police violence and depression, in turn increasing HIV vulnerabilities.


2011 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
NIRANJAN SAGGURTI ◽  
RAVI K. VERMA ◽  
SHIVA S. HALLI ◽  
SUVAKANTA N. SWAIN ◽  
RAJENDRA SINGH ◽  
...  

SummaryThis paper assesses the reasons for entry into sex work and its association with HIV risk behaviours among mobile female sex workers (FSWs) in India. Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 22 districts across four high HIV prevalence states in India during 2007–2008. Analyses were limited to 5498 eligible mobile FSWs. The reasons given by FSWs for entering sex work and associations with socio-demographic characteristics were assessed. Reported reasons for entering sex work include poor or deprived economic conditions; negative social circumstances in life; own choice; force by an external person; and family tradition. The results from multivariate analyses indicate that those FSWs who entered sex work due to poor economic conditions or negative social circumstances in life or force demonstrated elevated levels of current inconsistent condom use as well as in the past in comparison with those FSWs who reported entering sex work by choice or family tradition. This finding indicates the need for a careful assessment of the pre-entry contexts among HIV prevention interventions since these factors may continue to hinder the effectiveness of efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS in India and elsewhere.


2020 ◽  
Vol 96 (8) ◽  
pp. 601-607
Author(s):  
Adeline Bernier ◽  
Tatiana Rumyantseva ◽  
Laura Reques ◽  
Natalia Volkova ◽  
Yan Kyburz ◽  
...  

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with HIV and five other STIs among outdoor female sex workers (OSFW) and indoor FSW (IFSW).MethodsCross-sectional survey using respondent-driven sampling methodology. Participants answered a bio-behavioural questionnaire and were tested for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV), syphilis (lifetime contact) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG). Weighted HIV and other STIs prevalence and 95% CIs were calculated. Weighted multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with having at least one STI (including HIV).ResultsBetween October 2017 and July 2018, 385 FSW participants were recruited, among whom 206 (53.5%) were IFSW and 179 (46.5%) were OFSW. The mean age was 31.4 years. Weighted HIV prevalence was 3.1% (95% CI 1.5 to 7.0). Weighted prevalence of other STIs was: 4.1% (95% CI 2.2 to 8.0) for NG, 8.8% (95% CI 5.9 to 13.0) for CT, 12.7% (95% CI 8.6 to 18.0) for TV, 13.9% (95% CI 9.9 to 19.0) for syphilis (lifetime contact) and 14.9% (95% CI 10.5 to 21.0) for MG. STI prevalence was significantly higher among OFSW for CT, TV and MG (p<0.001). In total, 43.2% of the participants had at least one HIV/STI. Factors associated with having HIV/STI were being an OFSW (OR 3.29; 95% CI 1.72 to 6.27); being registered in another Russian region (2.61 (95% CI 1.05 to 6.48)); having never been tested for HIV (2.51 (95% CI 0.98 to 6.41)) and having a low level of knowledge regarding HIV transmission (4.88 (95% CI 0.96 to 24.78)).ConclusionPrevalence of HIV and STIs was high among FSW in Moscow. OFSW were more vulnerable to STIs. There is an urgent need to tailor programmes for sexual and reproductive health for FSW in Russia.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e040268
Author(s):  
Danielle Ashworth ◽  
Pankhuri Sharma ◽  
Sergio A Silverio ◽  
Simi Khan ◽  
Nishtha Kathuria ◽  
...  

IntroductionIndia has an overall neonatal mortality rate of 28/1000 live births, with higher rates in rural India. Approximately 3.5 million pregnancies in India are affected by preterm birth (PTB) annually and contribute to approximately a quarter of PTBs globally. Embedded within the PROMISES study (which aims to validate a low-cost salivary progesterone test for early detection of PTB risk), we present a mixed methods explanatory sequential feasibility substudy of the salivary progesterone test.MethodsA pretraining and post-training questionnaire to assess Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) (n=201) knowledge and experience of PTB and salivary progesterone sampling was analysed using the McNemar test. Descriptive statistics for a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women (n=400) are presented in which the acceptability of this test for pregnant women is assessed. Structured interviews were undertaken with ASHAs (n=10) and pregnant women (n=9), and were analysed using thematic framework analysis to explore the barriers and facilitators influencing the use of this test in rural India.ResultsBefore training, ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB (including risk factors, causes, postnatal support and testing) was very limited. After the training programme, there was a significant improvement in the ASHAs’ knowledge of PTB. All 400 women reported the salivary test was acceptable with the majority finding it easy but not quick or better than drawing blood. For the qualitative aspects of the study, analysis of interview data with ASHAs and women, our thematic framework comprised of three main areas: implementation of intervention; networks of influence and access to healthcare. Qualitative data were stratified and presented as barriers and facilitators.ConclusionThis study suggests support for ongoing investigations validating PTB testing using salivary progesterone in rural settings.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (02) ◽  
pp. 290-294
Author(s):  
T.R. Kanmani ◽  
Birudu Raju ◽  
Subhas Konar ◽  
Dhaval Shukla ◽  
Raghavendra Kukkehalli

Abstract Introduction The caregiver’s psychosocial problems are unnoticed in the emergency and trauma care center. Therefore, the study objective was to understand the impact of psychoeducation and psychosocial intervention on traumatic brain injury (TBI) caregivers during hospitalization. Methodology The study adopted a descriptive research design. Sixty-three (n = 63) consented caregivers were recruited by using a cross-sectional survey method. Two separate checklists were used to collect the psychosocial problems in emergency and trauma care as well as to know the satisfaction levels of caregivers after the intervention. R free 3.0.1 software was used to calculate the frequency and percentage. Results The caregiver’s mean age was 39 years (39.46 ± 16.22). The majority of the caregivers were males (45; 71.4%) working as daily wagers (42; 66.7%). Caregivers experienced psychosocial problems, that is, depression, anxiety, stress, unable to handle crisis, grief, lack of coping skills (57; 90.5%), emotional distress (57; 90.5%), financial constraints (45; 71.1%), and need for referral services (45; 71.1%). Tailor-made psychosocial interventions were provided to the caregivers. Conclusion To conclude, there is a greater need to provide psychosocial intervention and train the caregivers to provide care for TBI survivors during hospitalization. There is a need to develop the uniform standard operating procedure for medical and psychiatric social workers in providing psychosocial care in emergency and trauma care setting.


2015 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dipak Suryawanshi ◽  
Varun Sharma ◽  
Niranjan Saggurti ◽  
Shalini Bharat

SummaryFemale sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to HIV infection. Their socioeconomic and behavioural vulnerabilities are crucial push factors for movement for sex work. This paper assesses the factors associated with the likelihood of movement of sex workers from their current place of work. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 5498 mobile FSWs in 22 districts of high in-migration across four states in southern India. A multinomial logit model was constructed to predict the likelihood of FSWs moving from their current place of work. Ten per cent of the sampled mobile FSWs were planning to move from their current place of sex work. Educational attainment, marital status, income at current place of work, debt, sexual coercion, experience of violence and having tested for HIV and collected the results were found to be significant predictors of the likelihood of movement from the current place of work. Consistent condom use with different clients was significantly low among those planning to move. Likewise, the likelihood of movement was significantly higher among those who had any STI symptom in the last six months and those who had a high self-perceived risk of HIV. The findings highlight the need to address factors associated with movement among mobile FSWs as part of HIV prevention and access to care interventions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 92 (8) ◽  
pp. 593-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela M Parcesepe ◽  
Kelly L L'Engle ◽  
Sandra L Martin ◽  
Sherri Green ◽  
Chirayath Suchindran ◽  
...  

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 308-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Karki ◽  
R. Acharya ◽  
H. Budhwani ◽  
P. Shrestha ◽  
P. Chalise ◽  
...  

Background As the evidence based practice (EBP) movement expands, there is a need for health leaders and educators in each country to assess the extent to which health professional students and practitioners are prepared to locate, evaluate, and apply evidence to guide their practice.Objective The study objective was to explore nurses’ and nursing students’ perceptions and attitudes towards EBP.Method This was a descriptive cross-sectional survey administered to all 273 nurses and nursing students from Nepal who attended an EBP conference. The survey instrument that was used by Majid in Singapore was adapted for use in this study with permission from the author.Result In total, 121 nurses participated in the study. The majority (93%) of respondents reported that they had no previous training in EBP. The respondents’ perceptions of their EBP knowledge and skills were variable, but most of them demonstrated positive attitudes toward EBP. Respondents identified a number of barriers that limit the implementation of EBP in Nepal. The greatest barriers were lack of time and resources, difficulty understanding research articles and translating the findings to practice, and limited autonomy to change practice based on evidence.Conclusion Although respondents had positive attitudes towards EBP, their knowledge and skills were limited and barriers to implementation existed. Nursing faculty can use the findings to guide implementation of EBP into curricula, and nursing administrators and clinicians can use the findings to guide practice to promote EBP.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Pileggi ◽  
Valentina Mascaro ◽  
Aida Bianco ◽  
Maria Pavia

The use of nonprescription medicines (NPDs) for children illnesses without a doctor’s suggestion can lead to unnecessary medication use and is not free of risks. The aim of our study was to examine attitudes and practice of parents towards NPDs use for their children. We also investigated the conditions that may predict NPDs use. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on parents of children attending Community Based Pediatrician (CBP) consultation and data were collected through structured interviews. Positive attitude on NPDs use was reported by 71.4% of parents, and 61.5% of them had administered NPDs in the previous 6 months. Antipyretic drugs were the most frequently used medication class without the supervision of the CBP. A positive attitude towards NPDs was significantly more frequent in parents who did not use the CBP as the sole source of information about drugs. The study demonstrated a widespread use of NPDs in children in our context, supported by a substantial positive attitude towards their safety. However, considering potential harms related to some NPDs and the finding that most parents rely on CBP advice, role of CBP on appropriate use of NPDs by parents should be emphasized.


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