| Abstract: | Globally and in Ethiopia commercial sex workers (CSWs) are considered a most – at
–risk population (MARPS) for RH problems, and their clients play an important role in the spread
of HIV STI infections to the general population. Survey of Ethiopia CSWs including biomarker
data demonstrated that this population is disproportionally exposed to reproductive health
problems. Commercial sex workers face cultural, social, legal and linguistic obstacles to accessing
services and information. Equally important, many women in sex work experience violence on the
streets, on the job or in their personal lives which increases their vulnerability to HIV and other
health concerns.
The purpose of this study was to explore the practices, challenges and the factors
which lead sex workers in reproductive health problems and to examine the availability,
accessibility and utilization of SRH services in the case of FGAE Adama Confidential Clinic
clients.The study participants were sampled using simple random sampling technique were
employed. Qualitative research design was employed in order to answers a wide variety of
questions related to sex workers responses to actual or potential health and behavioral problems.
In this case, a cross-sectional study was also employed to describe the relationship between sex
work practice and associated effects.
The result of the study showed those majority age groups were 15 – 24 years 18
respondents which is the major proportion 69.2% were within this age, and most of them were
never married, financial drive which comprises the highest proportion 40% of coverage often
pushes young ladies into sex work. Most of them agreed that they lack basic knowledge and
information about safe sex practices, how to prevent STI, HIV and unwanted pregnancy. This
showed that the potential transmission of STI is very high and also this can increase the
possibility of acquiring the HIV/ AIDS. Unwanted pregnancies are also the most frequent and
series problems of them. Sometimes they did not know when and from whom they had sex and
got pregnant. Different reasons were mentioned by SWs, they usually used condoms as a means of
protection from pregnancy and other infectious diseases, but because of condom breakage and
slippage they exposed to unplanned pregnancy they also mentioned that these all problems leads
to emotional and behavioral problems. Socioeconomic and cultural factors, low health seeking
behavior, lack of access and unfriendly health services are the factors that lead them to RH
problems.
To conclude, it is important that steps to be taken to improve on the level of
awareness on RH among the respondents. The results clearly points out important lessons for
health education. This should target the perceptual factors, which tended to provide adequate
explanation for the knowledge on modes of transmission, prevention and practices of the
respondents towards RH. The high prevalence of STI HIV infection in this target groups in the
town and the commercial sex workers demand for SRH services confirm the need to provide these
services in the holistic approach. Moreover it is not only accessing and availing the RH services
but also making the services friendly is principal importance for commercial sex workers to use
the SRH services. |
