Evaluation of a Community-Based HIV Preventive Intervention for Female Sex Workers in Rural Areas of Karnataka State, South India. (July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Washington, Reynold G.; Nath, Anita; Isac, Shajy; Javalkar, Prakash; Ramesh, Banadakoppa M.; Bhattacharjee, Parinita; Moses, Stephen
• Is Part Of: Asia-Pacific journal of public health. Volume 26:Number 4(2014:Jul.)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 357
• Publication Date: 2014-07
• Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- female sex workers -- behavior -- condom -- rural India; Public health -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Public health -- Asia -- Periodicals; 362.1095
• DOI: 10.1177/1010539514537677
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5395

Abstract

To examine changes in behavioral outcomes among rural female sex workers (FSWs) involved in a community-based comprehensive HIV preventive intervention program in south India. A total of 14, 284 rural FSWs were reached by means of a community-based model for delivering outreach, medical, and referral services. Changes in behavior were assessed using 2 rounds of polling booth surveys conducted in 2008 and 2011. In all, 95% of the mapped FSWs were reached at least once, 80.3% received condoms as per need, and 71% received health services for sexually transmitted infections. There was a significant increase in condom use (from 60.4% to 72.4%, P = .001) and utilization of HIV counseling and testing services (from 63.9% to 92.4%; P = .000) between the 2 time periods. This model for a community-based rural outreach and HIV care was effective and could also be applied to many other health problems.