Knowledge and Sexual Behavioral Patterns Related to HIV/AIDS among Commercial Sex Workers in Kampala
Simon Sentumbwe
Abstract: As in many societies, many women in Uganda still face discrimination in education, employment and social status resulting in economic vulnerability to HIV/AIDS. The study aimed to investigate the knowledge and sexual behaviour patterns of commercial sex workers in Kampala (Uganda) related to HIV/AIDS and come up with appropriate interventions. It also attempted to investigate the factors that lead young women to engage in sex work in the wake of the HIV/AIDS scourge. The study was carried out in the Katanga semi-urban slum area located 3 km northwest of Kampala. A sample of 201 commercial sex workers participated in the study that included questionnaires and focus group discussion as data collection techniques. It was found out that the commercial sex workers perceived that they were at a high risk and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS infection and were aware of risk reduction options. However, risky behaviour that permitted continued disease transmission persisted among sex workers and their clients. The study recommended that the government, policy makers and program providers should recognize sex workers or prostitutes as a social group within the population that derives its existence from the complex demographic, socio-economic and political phenomena that society experiences, and who need services and development programs to meet their special needs.