Risky Sexual Behaviors Among HIV-positive Female Sex Workers in Northern Karnataka, India

Little is known about risky sexual behaviors of HIV-positive Female Sex Workers (FSWs) in the developing world. This study aims to shed light on their condom use with regular clients and husbands, a first in India. Logistic regression analyses for consistent condom use with those partners are conducted for the sample of 606 HIV-positive FSWs in Karnataka. Older and non-migrant FSWs are less likely to consistently use condoms than younger and mobile FSWs (90 and 70% respectively). FSWs who changed occupations after HIV diagnosis are 70% less likely to use condoms. FSWs on ART, those currently cohabiting, and those that have felt stigma associated with being HIV-positive are more likely to have consistent condom use. FSWs with multiple repeat clients and who do not know the sexual behavior of these clients are more likely to use condoms consistently. These findings would help inform programs to target particularly vulnerable HIV-positive FSWs.