Knowledge about reproductive tract infections and sex work among female textile workers in Surat, India.

In this qualitative study, we investigated knowledge about reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and commercial sex work among female textile workers of Surat, India. We analyzed data from three focus groups conducted with 18 women using content analysis. Participants had some knowledge about the symptoms of RTIs; however, they had limited knowledge about RTI prevention, transmission, and treatment. None used condoms consistently for RTI prevention. The women attributed economic hardship as one of the main reasons for engaging in commercial sex work. Our study is one of the first to evaluate sexual and reproductive health among female textile workers in India.

Study of sexual behavior and prevalence of STIs/RTIs and HIV among female workers of textile industries in Surat city, Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Surat city is vulnerable to transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIV due to its huge migratory population in diamond and textile industries. Females working in textile industries were not receiving focused intervention although they were at high risk of acquiring STIs/HIV. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to know the prevalence of various STIs and HIV among the group of female textile workers in Surat city. The findings of the study will be helpful for policy decision makers to address the issues of a specific vulnerable group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 257 female workers in various textile markets were enrolled in the present study. Data were collected by the help of a pre-tested questionnaire and analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel and the EPI Info software. RESULT: Overall prevalence of various STIs/RTIs (reproductive tract infections) was 16.73%, whereas HIV positivity was 1.17%. Bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis were the most common infections. CONCLUSION: Groups such as female textile workers need to be taken care of especially to enhance the HIV prevention and control activities in Surat city, which would help in breaking the chain of transmission.