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Alcohol Consumption Patterns and Sexual Risk Behavior among Female Sex Workers in two South Indian Communities
Background—HIV transmission in India is primarily heterosexual and there is a concentrated HIV epidemic among female sex workers (FSWs). Earlier reports demonstrate that many FSWs consume alcohol regularly before sexual encounters. This qualitative study is part of a larger quantitative study design...
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| Format: | Printed Book |
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Int J Drug Policy.
2012
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| Online Access: | http://10.26.1.76/ks/005943.pdf |
| Summary: | Background—HIV transmission in India is primarily heterosexual and there is a concentrated
HIV epidemic among female sex workers (FSWs). Earlier reports demonstrate that many FSWs
consume alcohol regularly before sexual encounters. This qualitative study is part of a larger
quantitative study designed to assess alcohol consumption patterns among female sex workers and
their association with sexual risk taking. Here we investigate the environmental influence, reasons
for and consequences of consuming alcohol in the FSW population.
Methods—Trained staff from two Non-Governmental Organizations in Andhra Pradesh and
Kerala conducted semi-structured interviews with 63 FSWs in Chirala, Andhra Pradesh (n=35)
and Calicut, Kerala (n=28) following extensive formative research, including social mapping and
key informant interviews, to assess drinking patterns and sexual risk behaviors.
Results—FSWs reported consuming alcohol in multiple contexts: sexual, social, mental health
and self-medication. Alcohol consumption during sexual encounters with clients was usually
forced, but some women drank voluntarily. Social drinking took place in public locations such as
bars and in private locations including deserted buildings, roads and inside autorickshaws
(motorcycle taxis). Consequences of alcohol consumption included failure to use condoms and to
collect payments from clients, violence, legal problems, gastrointestinal side effects, economic
loss and interference with family responsibilities.
Conclusion—FSWs consume alcohol in multilevel contexts. Alcohol consumption during
transactional sex is often forced and can lead to failure to use condoms. Social drinkers consume
alcohol with other trusted FSWs for entertainment and to help cope with psychosocial stressors.
There are multiple reasons for and consequences of alcohol consumption in this population and
future interventions should target each specific aspect of alcohol use. |
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| Physical Description: | p.498–504 2012 November ; 23(6): |