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Citation_information
Type | Journal Article - Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health |
Title | Does fear for infection affect condom use and HIV testing? A study of female sex workers in Pune city |
Author(s) | |
Volume | 8 |
Issue | 2 |
Publication (Day/Month/Year) | 2020 |
Page numbers | 562-566 |
URL | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2019.12.003 |
Abstract | Health Belief Model, a health behavior change model identified risk perception as one of the important constructs of public health interventions.1 It is an individual's perceived susceptibility to a threat, often found to be assessed in the context of HIV prevention programs.1,2 The model elucidates that perception of risk to illness and understanding the significance of prevention should translates to positive health behavior.3 HIV interventions emphasize awareness about modes of transmission and correct assessment of risk as to the key elements in adopting safe sex practices.4 Worldwide studies in various cultures in diverse communities proved that low-risk perception was influenced by low knowledge about HIV, sex at young age, multiple sexual partners, no or low condom use.1 Unfortunately, there is scarce evidence around these associations in the Indian context. Globally, female sex workers (FSWs), are targeted with interventions promoting knowledge about HIV, consistent condom use, screening and treatment of STI/HIV to ensure sustained safe sex behavior.5 In India, long term interventions in FSWs still reflects a prevalence of 7.4% and above 18% in Maharashtra and in the red light area of Pune city i.e. study area respectively, as compared to the national percentage of 2.2%.6,7 The figures are a concern with the policymakers. At this background, it is essential to understand the pathways of risk perception influencing condom use and HIV testing in this specific population,9,10 besides the role of knowledge in transferring the perception to action.8 Despite the fact that FSWs in India continues to be at most risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV there is a paucity of research about their perception of risk of being infected with HIV.1 The above features need to be studied in the context of the interventions. This article is developed from the section of data from a doctorate thesis that investigated male condom use among FSWs of the red light area of Pune, Maharashtra. The objectives were an assessment of the risk perception, its association with condom use with different types of clients and the practice of HIV testing and the effect of knowledge about HIV on the perception of risk. The study would contribute to the literature in addition to the facilitation of planning and implementation of intervention strategies |
Manisha Gore, Prakash Narayanan , and Sanjay Juvekar. "Does fear for infection affect condom use and HIV testing? A study of female sex workers in Pune city." Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health 8, no. 2 (2020): 562-566.