Evaluation of a community-based HIV preventive intervention for female sex workers in rural areas of Karnataka State, south India
Washington, R.G.; Nath, A.; Isac, S.; Javalkar, P.; Ramesh, B.M.; Bhattacharjee, P.; Moses, S.
Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health 26(4): 349-357
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 1010-5395 PMID: 24871816 DOI: 10.1177/1010539514537677Document Number: 627365
To examine changes in behavioral outcomes among rural female sex workers (FSWs) involved in a community-based comprehensive HIV preventive intervention program in south India. A total of 14, 284 rural FSWs were reached by means of a community-based model for delivering outreach, medical, and referral services. Changes in behavior were assessed using 2 rounds of polling booth surveys conducted in 2008 and 2011. In all, 95% of the mapped FSWs were reached at least once, 80.3% received condoms as per need, and 71% received health services for sexually transmitted infections. There was a significant increase in condom use (from 60.4% to 72.4%, P = .001) and utilization of HIV counseling and testing services (from 63.9% to 92.4%; P = .000) between the 2 time periods. This model for a community-based rural outreach and HIV care was effective and could also be applied to many other health problems.