Sex workers in Sri Lanka and their vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Disease - Paperback

by Hemamal S. Jayawardena (Author)

The book is an updated version of A Study of Sex workers in Sri Lanka; An Example of Using Public Health Methodologies in Behavioural Research, the paperback first published in 2007, removing sections that explains the 2007 context. The title of the book is changed to Sex workers in Sri Lanka and their vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Disease and is not meant for persons who have already read the 2007 version.

It starts with an introduction to sex work as practiced in Sri Lanka, HIV/AIDS and the inter-relation between the two. Then it goes on to a review of literature and sets out the key conceptual framework, bringing out important issues related to HIV/AIDS and the sex trade. These include an inquiry into different aspects of human sexuality, including the possible reasons why males patronise female sex workers. Biological and social explanations, as well as personal preferences that direct men to sex workers are discussed. The legal status of sex work has an important bearing on sex worker behaviour in creating an environment in which behavioural change interventions can be undertaken. This aspect is also reviewed in this section including the consequences of criminalizing sex between consenting adults. It also looks at populations that are considered more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS, the scope of the sex trade in Sri Lanka, reasons why women enter the sex trade, objectification of women and their exploitation, types of institutions they work in and personnel associated with the sex trade are other areas covered in this section. Issues such as stigmatization, sex worker rights and society's views on sex work are investigated as they have a close relationship with safe sexual behaviour. After a section on methodology used in the study, the book elaborates on its findings along several parameters. The author then inspects certain social and economic factors such as harassment by law enforcement officers and the earnings of sex workers. Information that matter to sex worker health such as awareness on STIs and HIV/AIDS, treatment seeking behaviour, types of sexual activity performed and demanded, frequency of condom use, barriers to the use of condoms, information related to breakage of condoms and group sex are inquired into. Concurrent sexual networks that make bridges among high-risk populations, and between sex workers and the public further exacerbate risk and were ascertained in this section. For example, a sex worker concurrently being a drug user and blood donor. An attempt was also made to see whether there is an increased tendency for alcohol use by clients of sex workers. Finally, recommendations are made for further research and action.