Background: HIV in Guatemala is currently concentrated in various sub-populations at high risk, with sex workers considered core transmitters (World Bank 1999). This paper results from a study of culture, sexual behavior and HIV-risk in female commercial sex workers in two Guatemalan border towns with high HIV incidence. Effective programming suggestions are highlighted to encourage both safer behavior and general improved women’s health in this population. Objectives: Research explores the sexual behaviors of sex workers with identified ‘categories’ of clients, condom knowledge and use, HIV awareness, and perceived quality of life in each border town. Methods: The authors collected qualitative data within brothels through focus groups (n=5), unstructured interviews (n=6), and key informant interviews (n=4). Results indicate that while exposed to violence, humiliation and indebtedness to brothel owners; women are propelled into sex work as the only perceivable means of meeting the financial needs of the family. Although women accept condom use in theory, actual practice depends upon the type of client, economic remuneration, and competition with other CSWs. Of note are differences in condom negotiation skills and earning potential between the two regions. Although HIV knowledge is relatively high and some external support exists, fear of infection is superseded by more immediate financial needs and concerns. Recommendations include presenting alternative work options with job training programs, de-emphasizing existing vertical HIV programs to incorporate general women’s health, and highlighting the economic relationship between becoming HIV infected and decreased earning potential.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to 1) understand cultural definitions of sex with different categories of clients for female sex workers in Guatemala, 2) identify obstacles to condom use related to variances between geographical locations of brothels and 3) identify innovative, targeted programs for HIV/STD prevention
Keywords: Sex Workers, Women and HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Population Services International, PASMO Guatemala
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.