Knowledge and Attitudes towards AIDS in Mashhad (Northeast of Iran) Female Sex Workers

Abstract

Background: In view of the fact that knowledge and attitudes are important in control of individuals' behaviors and because female sex workers with their multiple sexual relationships are in highly risk to HIV and also an important factor in transmission of AIDS in the community. This study evaluates the female sex workers' knowledge and attitudes toward AIDS.Methods: This research was cross-sectional descriptive study. The statistical population was female sex workers that were being supported by Welfare Organization in Mashhad (central of Razavi Khorasan province in northeast of Iran) in 2011. Sampling method was census. So the whole of 61 female sex workers were completed questionnaires of knowledge and attitude toward AIDS.Results: The results showed that the knowledge of the transmission Incubation period and Prevention of AIDS, 64% of subjects were at the low level. The knowledge about methods of transmission of AIDS in the 57% of female sex workers also was low. The subjects' attitude toward prevention of AIDS, their willingness to cooperate in the implementation of preventive programs and their feeling of risk for 18% were negative and attitude of 61% of them were neutral.Conclusion: Knowledge about transmission, incubation period and prevention of AIDS were in low level. Also their attitude to AIDS's prevention, cooperation in prevention programs and their risk feeling mostly was neutral or negative that can be an alarm.