English

Abstract

Commercial sex work is one of the oldest trades known to mankind. Although present almost universally, it seldom comes to the forefront due to the stigma and the continued persecution of the legal system. Very few studies are done to evaluate the social and economic factors that drive people into this trade. Such studies are required to curb this growing menace in our society. OBJECTIVES: The study was undertaken to evaluate the socio demographic and economic profile of a cross section of urban commercial sex workers in the city of Belgaum. METHODS: The study was done in the city of Belgaum. The study population consisted of all male (MSW) and female sex workers(FSW)between the age of 20 to 40 who are registered in the MSW's Sweekar - Community Based Organization (NGO) and BIRDS,a Non Governmental organization (NGO) which deal with MSW's and FSW's in Belgaum district. After a written informed consent the patients were interviewed using a pretested questionnaire, the responses were recorded. RESULTS: The present study was conducted in the city of Belgaum for a period of nine months. The final study population consisted of 388 commercial sex workers of whom 279 were males and 109 females. In our study, 71.9% were male and 28.1 were females, 25.0% of male were in 36-40 age group and 8.2% female were in 31-35 age group. Majority 29.8% males studied upto college and above whereas only 10.9% females completed primary school. 37.1% males were self employed, 17.0% female were daily wages workers and 35.3% earned between 5,000-10,000 every month. A majority 79.6% were Hindus, almost 60.1% were married, 36.3% were living in joint families and most of them 65.2% were non migrants. CONCLUSIONS: Commercial sex workers are growing in most urban areas of the country. Economic compulsions are the driving force leading the youth of this country into this lucrative source of income. Most individuals entering this trade today are educated displaying the lack of career opportunities. Most individuals are driven into this trade at a very small age most often against their will. There is a disturbing trend of married individuals also entering this trade. It will require a concentrated effort on part of the government and the society to rehabilitate these CSWs