Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Towards HIV Prevention among Female Sex Workers (Community Based Approaches in Faisalabad City)

Abstract

Objective: This research is designed to measure the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HIV prevention among female sex workers (FSWs) of Faisalabad City, Pakistan, and to determine the degree to which community-based interventions are used to change behaviors and decrease the risks of HIV transmission. Study Design: A Quantitative cross-sectional study design was applied to collect data from a purposely selected sample of female sex workers who live and work in Faisalabad. Method: Data was collected via structured interviews using well well-developed questionnaire on key variables like knowledge of HIV transmission and prevention, attitude related to use of condoms and access to testing and treatment services, and current preventive measures. Accounting for demographic and behavioral variables, descriptive statistics and Chi-square analyses were performed to test associations between demographic and behavior-based determinants. Results: The findings show that although the majority of participants had heard about HIV/AIDS, large gaps exist in correct knowledge and continued application of prevention practices. Such factors as inconsistent use of condoms, stage of fear of stigmatization, lack of testing facilities, and low attendance of awareness programs were common. Rationale for practices directed at the prevention of HIV was a commonplace way of seeing things and was often based on socioeconomic pressure, misinformation, and fear of discrimination. However, greater awareness, more positive attitudes, and more engagement in safe sex practices were reported by female sex workers who experienced exposure to community-based interventions (such as peer education and mobile clinics) compared to those who did not. Conclusion: The study calls for urgently needed culturally sensitive, community-based HIV programs aimed at eliminating the structural and social barriers to FSWs. The empowerment of peer educators, increased availability of HIV-testing and treatment services, and intensification of public health engagement can bring about a profound change in preventive behaviors and decrease the HIV vulnerability of such a marginalized group as sex workers. The findings provide a useful guide to policymakers, care delivery services, as well as NGOs that want to enhance HIV prevention strategies within urban Pakistan.