KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARDS HIV/AIDS PREVENTION AMONG MYANMAR FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN MAE SOT DISTRICT, TAK PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

The study was carried out by using quantitative research method. The information of 120 Myanmar female sex workers (MFSW) from various prostitution businesses in different areas in Mae Sot district was collected during 20-31 October 2016 by face-to-face interview using structured questionnaires. This study aimed to describe the characteristics, to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practices on HIV/AIDS prevention and to examine the association between these independent variables with the HIV/AIDS preventive practice of MFSW. The data showed 52.5% of MFSW aged between 18 to 24 years old, 21.7% were from Karen State, 90% were Buddhist, 56.7% were illegal migrants, and 78.3% worked 3 years as FSW. In general, MFSW respondents had moderate level of overall knowledge, attitude and practice towards HIV/AIDS prevention. In addition, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation Statistics were used for analysing the associations and correlations between independent and dependent variables. The findings revealed that earning last month of MFSW significantly associated with negative correlation (r = - 0.233 and p = 0.010). There were other factors facilitated or influenced the respondents in performing their HIV/AIDS preventive practice including type of prostitution business they belong to, location of the business and also the influence or pressure from their employers or work colleagues. Initial baseline studies and survey on HIV/AIDS should be carried out for supporting public health workers in identify interventions. Also, HIV/AIDS programme intervention needs to concern more about gender and cultural sensitivity.