ASSESSMENT OF HIV/AIDS AND RELATED RISK BEHAVIORS OF COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS: THE CASE OF WOREDA 06 ADAMA TOWN, OROMIA NATIONAL REGIONAL STATE

Abstract

Background: The emergence of the HIV epidemic is one of the biggest public health challenges that the world has ever seen in recent history. In the last three decades HIV has spread rapidly and affected all sectors of society- young people and adults, men and women, and the rich and the poor. It has a devastating impact on people in developing countries and inevitably the epidemic has been affecting many of the programs Objective: to assesses HIV/AIDS and related risk behaviors of CSWs in woreda 06, Adama town of Oromia Regional National State. Method: This study has used qualitative research design which was planned to examine the nature of commercial sex workers, experiences and their social condition. Qualitative method particularly direct observation of commercial sex workers at their living and working areas, interview and focus group discussion were took place. Result: the age of the respondents is ranged from 18 to 33 years. The knowledge of the sex workers, who have participated in the study, related to HIV/AIDS indicated that (100%) know all mode of transmission and prevention methods. Concerning alcohol and drug use all of the sex workers had consumed drinks containing alcohol in the previous four weeks. Discussion: The comprehensive knowledge of the CSWS indicate that increasing awareness related to STIs and HIV/AIDS. During recent sex most of them and their clients were intoxicated indicating cigarette smoking; hard Liquor, beer and wine consumption had associated with unsafe sex practice which put them prone to STIs and HIV/AIDS infections. Moreover, consistent condom user, condom breakage and slippage were identified by this study. Conclusion: commercial sex worker have enough knowledge related to STIs and HIV/AIDS facts but there is little practice to safer sex. There were many risky sexual practices between commercial sex workers and their clients.