Assessment of Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS among Female Sex Workers (FSWs)

This cross sectional study was conducted in order to describe Risk Factors for HIV/AIDS among Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in Dessie Town, Amhara Region Ethiopia. The study population was female sex workers making their business from sex transaction. A structured questionnaire dealing with socio-demographic characteristics, their knowledge about HIV and STI, condom use pattern, pattern of their sexual behaviour with clients and regular non-paying partners, risky behaviour like alcohol, chatt/katt and shisha use, the extent of Gender Based Violence among female sex workers. The results demonstrate that most of the respondents are not educated higher, from poor family with the monthly income of less than 50USD per month, most of sex workers engaged into sex work because of poverty, lack of support, parental death, divorce or being widowed and some of course due to peer pressure. Many sex workers have been engaged in a risky behaviour which lead to acquire HIV easily, they have multiple sexual partner and multiple times sexual action with different clients, most of the respondents also consume alcohol and Katt every day which make them not to use condom correctly and consistently.