Desai, Binita, Jayendrakumar K Kosambiya, Bharat Patel, Apurva Barve, Ambuj Kumar, and Kristen J Wells. 2020. “Knowledge about Reproductive Tract Infections and Sex Work Among Female Textile Workers in Surat, India.”. Health Care for Women International 41 (10): 1182-97.
Abstract
In this qualitative study, we investigated knowledge about reproductive tract infections (RTIs) and commercial sex work among female textile workers of Surat, India. We analyzed data from three focus groups conducted with 18 women using content analysis. Participants had some knowledge about the symptoms of RTIs; however, they had limited knowledge about RTI prevention, transmission, and treatment. None used condoms consistently for RTI prevention. The women attributed economic hardship as one of the main reasons for engaging in commercial sex work. Our study is one of the first to evaluate sexual and reproductive health among female textile workers in India.