Covariates of STIs in intimate partner relationship among FSWs in Nepal

Intimate partner relationship provides emotional support and social security to FSWs despite sometimes putting safe sexual practices at stake. This paper analyzes prevalence of STIs among FSWs having intimate partner relationships in the last 12 months prior to survey in Nepal. Information pertains to 1401 respondents selected following a modified time-location cluster sampling. Findings reveal that protective sex with intimate partner is reported by less than half of FSWs and is even lower among married FSWs. STI prevalence is higher among this group with 1/3rd reporting the symptoms in last 12 months, which can be attributed to the unprotected sex. Age above 30, illiteracy and currently married status have significant affect on the STI prevalence among this group. Further, marital status and coital frequency seems to have a significant effect on the condom use behaviour of the FSW. It is seen that those who are unmarried are 0.3 times (p<0.01) less likely to use condom as compared to their counterparts. Literacy and migratory status are significantly affecting the prevalence of STI. Understanding the worth of intimate partners in an FSW’s life, strategies should be devised to promote protective sex in intimate partner relationships in order to combat its serious bearings on STIs among the group.