Citation
Pettifor, Audrey E.; Beksinska, Mags E.; & Rees, Helen V. (2000). High Knowledge and High Risk Behaviour: A Profile of Hotel-Based Sex Workers in Inner-City Johannesburg. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 4(2), 35-43.Abstract
In 1998 the national HIV prevalence amongst women attending antenatal clinics in South Africa increased from 16% to 23% and HIV rates amongst sex workers in urban areas were reported at close to 50%. In the last decade, sex work in central Johannesburg has increased significantly. Despite the growing industry and high rates of HIV and STDs, there is little information on the sex work trade in Johannesburg. Further, there are limited or no targeted health services for sex workers in this area. Focus group discussions were therefore conducted amongst four groups of female sex workers in inner-city Johannesburg at an STD/family planning clinic. Participants were asked to discuss how they entered the industry, their condom usage, exploitation/abuse, HIV/AIDS infection, and health and social services needed. Major themes of the focus groups were abstracted from the translated and transcribed texts. The major problems identified by this study were: clients' reluctance to use condoms, police abuse, lack of sex worker friendly health services, and HIV positive sex workers. The outcomes of these discussions will be used to help inform future health policy and interventions amongst sex workers in this area.URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3583446Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2000Journal Title
African Journal of Reproductive HealthAuthor(s)
Pettifor, Audrey E.Beksinska, Mags E.
Rees, Helen V.