Ligia R. F. S. Kerr / Raimunda Hermelinda M. Macena / Rosa M. S. Mota
Librería Samer Atenea
Kálamo Books
Librería Elías (Asturias)
Librería Kolima (Madrid)
Librería Proteo (Málaga)
Prostitution can be found in any country, regardless of its level of development. This occupation exposes individuals to a wide range of health risks. This cross-sectional, desk-based study investigated risk factors for HIV and other STIs among female sex workers in three geographical areas of the state of Ceará. The sample consisted of 819 women who reported engaging in paid sexual activity in the 180 days prior to the survey, recruited using the snowball sampling technique in the municipalities of Fortaleza, Sobral, Juazeiro do Norte and Crato. The findings highlight this population’s vulnerability to HIV and other STIs. They also reveal that preventive initiatives developed by NGOs appear not only to provide information alongside other sources, but also to foster a sense of citizenship, helping to improve levels of knowledge, self-esteem and empowerment. However, health promotion initiatives remain insufficient in preventing unprotected sexual intercourse with non-paying sexual partners.
