Experience of HIV prevention interventions among female sex workers in Delhi, India.

ABSTRACT

PIP: HIV infection in India is firmly entrenched mainly among promiscuous heterosexuals and recipients of blood and blood products. Many female prostitutes are infected, with the prevalence of infection rapidly increasing within the subpopulation. Various interventions were therefore launched in different places in India to prevent the further spread of HIV. This study describes the effect of an HIV prevention intervention among female prostitutes in Delhi. An intense HIV awareness campaign was held among female prostitutes in Delhi during April-May 1988 involving group discussion, poster and pamphlet distribution, a short video film, peer counselling, and the counselling of madams, pimps, prostitutes, and young men who pose as prostitutes' husbands to provide emotional and physical security. At baseline, one woman among 701 serotested was identified HIV-seropositive. 5% were aware of HIV/AIDS and 20% used condoms regularly. In 1990, again, only one among 600 serotested was seropositive for HIV. 70%, however, were aware of HIV/AIDS and 50% used condoms regularly; 40% used condoms most of the time.