Declines in violence and police arrest among female sex workers in Karnataka state, south India, following a comprehensive HIV prevention programme
This study found that large-scale HIV prevention programming can reduce violence, arrests and infection
Abstract
Introduction: Female sex workers (FSWs) frequently experience violence, harassment and arrest by the police or their clients, but there is little evidence as to the impact that such factors may have on HIV risk or whether community interventions could mitigate this impact.
Methods: As part of the evaluation of the Avahan programme in Karnataka, serial integrated behavioural and biological assessment (IBBA) surveys (four districts) (2005 to 2011) and anonymous polling booth surveys (PBS) (16 districts) (2007 to 2011) were conducted with random samples of FSWs. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess (1) changes in reported violence and arrests over time and (2) associations between violence by non-partners and police arrest and HIV/STI risk and prevalence. Mediation analysis was used to identify mediating factors.
Results: 5,792 FSWs participated in the IBBAs and 15,813 participated in the PBS. Over time, there were significant reductions in the percentages of FSWs reporting being raped in the past year (PBS) (30.0% in 2007, 10.0% in 2011)
Discussion: Violence by non-partners and arrest are both strongly associated with HIV infection among FSWs. Large-scale, comprehensive HIV prevention programming can reduce violence, arrests and HIV/STI infection among FSWs.
This research is supported by the Department for International Development’s STRIVE Programme which is led by London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Citation
Beattie, T.S.; Bhattacharjee, P.; Isac, S.; Mohan, H.L.; Simic-Lawson, M.; Ramesh, B.M.; Blanchard, J.F.; Moses, S.; Watts, C.H.; Heise, L. Declines in violence and police arrest among female sex workers in Karnataka state, south India, following a comprehensive HIV prevention programme. Journal of the International AIDS Society (2015) 18 (1) 20079. [DOI: 10.7448/IAS.18.1.20079]