'Sex workers entering fast & at an early age'

KATHMANDU, Nov 28: New sex workers are entering the business at a fast pace, a joint-survey conducted by USAID/Nepal, Asha Project and the Ministry of Health and Population disclosed. The survey reveals that a higher proportion of female sex workers have joined sex industry in last 12 months.



The study reveals that 40.3 percent respondents out of total have adopted the profession in past one year. The survey was conducted among 593 female sex workers on January 16 to March 6 this year and that covers the entire Kathmandu valley. [break]



Among the respondents, 238 were street-based sex workers and 355 were establishment-based. Age of respondent´s was 16 to 48 years.



The study was undertaken to track trend of HIV and Syphilis in female sex workers. It also targeted to understand their sexual behaviors.



Out of total respondents participated in the survey, 10 were infected with HIV. The report says that prevalence was seen in the street-based sex workers. Syphilis history was seen in 2.5 percent out of 234 street-based sex workers. HIV and syphilis are tested via blood samples.



Consistent condom use with non-paying regular clients decreased significantly from 18.1 percent in 2004 to 11.6 percent this year. "The common reason cited by both street-based and establishment-based sex workers for not using condoms was the partner´s objection or they have other contraceptives," the report says.



The report however says that consistent use of condoms with clients by establishment-based sex workers reached 73.4 percent in 2011. Only 56.6 percent respondents said in 2004 that they use condoms.



Similarly, consistent condom use with regular clients had increased to 74.6 percent in 2011 from 62.5 percent in 2004. The trend shows significant improvement among the establishment-based sex workers. Likewise, 71 percent respondents have had their first sexual contact at the age of 15 to 19. Some 20.4 percent have had their first sexual contact even earlier at the age of 11 to 14. The mean age of the female sex workers in the Kathmandu valley for their first sexual contact is 16.



The study also says that 61.7 percent of sex workers reported that businessmen visited them more frequently as clients. "Service workers, officer, doctor, policeman, army men, transport workers, drivers, contractors, foreign employees, migrant workers and wage laborers are some other frequently visiting clients reported by the respondents," findings of the study says.



The mean number of months for which the respondents were involved in sex trade was 30.

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