Hiv Risk Perception And Prevention Among Sex Workers In Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area Of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines perception of HIV risk and prevention strategies of sex workers in Akwa Ibom State, using qualitative data gathered during fieldwork with 85 female sex workers recruited through systematic, criterion and snowball sampling techniques in Ibiakpan junction, Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area. The study was designed as a qualitative ethnography and data were collected through indepth personal interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Findings show that whereas these sex workers have a high level of knowledge of HIV/AIDS, its mode of transmission, preventive measures and common symptoms, this knowledge is hardly translated into action. They continue to engage in high risk behaviour such as alcoholism, unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners, which increases their vulnerability to HIV infection and undesirable sexual health outcomes. The paper contends that poverty, marginality and disempowerment compel sex workers to redefine and reconstitute the meanings of risks in ways that increases risks in their work. HIV Intervention programs seeking to prevent infection among sex workers must bolster their capacity to translate their knowledge to practice, advocate against punitive laws on sex work, reduce poverty and assist sex workers in changing high risk behaviour.