“These girls gave me AIDS. Why should I use condoms?” Clients of Sex Workers in Kamathipura Express Their Attitudes About HIV

Author: Karandikar, Sharvari & Gezinski, Lindsay

Abstract: Very little research has been conducted that examines the attitudes toward HIV/AIDS from the perspective of clients of sex workers. This study examined 13 male clients of sex workers through in-depth interviews that aimed to explore their understanding of risks associated with unprotected sex, as well as condom use and attitudes about condoms and HIV/AIDS. The findings suggested that clients of sex workers often have incorrect knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Additionally, differences arose around condom use with sex workers versus intimate partners. Finally, participants were found to deceive sex partners and intimate partners about their HIV/AIDS status. These findings emphasize the importance of more effective HIV/AIDS awareness programming aimed at male clients of sex workers.

Keywords: clients, HIV, India, Mumbai, prostitution, sex work