Central Data Catalog

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