Awareness of HIV/AIDS and STI’s among visually impaired female sex workers (VIFSWs) in Eldoret Township, Kenya

5^th World Congress on Control and Prevention of HIV/AIDS, STDs & STIs

June 19-20, 2017 London, UK

Salil C

Information Centre on HIV Prevention, Department of Research and Sexology

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J AIDS Clin Res

Abstract :

Background: In the recent past, it has been a notion that VIFSWs have a greater risk of acquiring HIV due to their physical challenge they face. However, according to a report from UNAIDS which says that women have a greater risk of becoming infected than men if they are unprotected. The aim of the study is to analyze the level of awareness about HIV/AIDS/STI�s among VIFSWs from their Brothels in Eldoret Township, Kenya. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted where qualitative methods were used. In depth, interviews were conducted on 60 VIFSWs and out of those 60; a stratum of 6 was formed. The data was then put on codes and later interpreted. Results: According to the results, it was found out that 99% of the respondents in the study had knowledge on HIV/AIDS and STI�s. However, the majority of the respondents faced ill treatment by their male clients due to their physical challenge they face. Also they faced stigma and discrimination from members of Public, on availability of user friendly health care services was also another challenge. They also lacked testing and counseling services from government institutions. Conclusion: According to data obtained from the field, it suggests that the level of awareness of HIV/AIDS/STI�s is high among the VIFSWs. However, there is an urgent need to conduct regular counseling and testing since they have less knowledge on importance of counseling and testing and early use of PeP in case of an exposure or early use of anti-retroviral therapy (ART).

Biography :

Email: charles.salil@gmail.com