Laxmi Ghimire

Sexual Health Services: Sex Workers in Nepal Laxmi Ghimire

Introduction: HIV prevalence in the general population of Nepal was below 0.5% in 2008, but in Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Kathmandu it was 2.2%. FSWs have limited access to proper sexual health information, sexual and reproductive health services, including testing, counselling and care of STIs and HIV/AIDS. Objectives: The study aim was to explore the health seeking behaviour of FSWs for Sexually Transmitted Infections STIs) and HIV/AIDS. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was used. A total of 425 questionnaire-based interviews and 15 in-depth. Results: FSWs(30.8%) reported having had STI symptoms in presences 12 month. The quantitative findings suggested that many reported having used condoms during their last sexual intercourse, but in-depth interviews suggested the opposite. One fifth (21%) had never visited health facilities. Of those who visited,(50.3%)turned to a private clinic and pharmacy;(61.1%) used Non-Governmental Organisation clinics,(26.6%) resorted to care in hospital and(10.1%) treated themselves. Remaining were found to seek help from pharmacy. Conclusion: study identified a number of individual, service related or external factors and socio-cultural restrictions.