Volume 5

Number 1, January 2023

Knowledge and Preventive Practices Regarding COVID-19 Infection among the Female Commercial Sex Workers during the Pandemic

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47648/zhswmcj.2023.v0501.01

Riazin Sultana1 , Shaikh Shariful Islam2 , Protyti Rahman3 , Muhammad Muniruzzaman Chowdhury4 , Aysha Haque5 , Md Golam Abbas6

Abstract

Background: Prevention is the best way to manage a pandemic like COVID-19. Commercial sex workers (CSWs) are one of the most vulnerable groups of population on COVID-19 infection. Their preventive measures against COVID-19 depends on the knowledge and practices against the infection.

Methods: A cross-sectional study commenced to assess the level of knowledge and preventive practices about prevention of COVID-19 infection among the 326 female CSWs in the Kandapara village, Tangail.

Results: The mean age of the CSWs was 29.0 +/-6.6 years. Most of them were divorced ((42.6%) and illiterate (63.5%). The majority of CSWs (94.5%) had good knowledge, but their practices were poor (33.4%) against COVID-19 infection and its prevention. There were significant associations found between age group), their education and average monthly income (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The level of practices of female CSWs against COVID-19 prevention was not as good as their level of knowledge. Incentives, workshops and health education regarding conduct of clients with precautions, counseling sessions, and social supports will encourage them to follow COVID-19 prevention guidelines, which potentially reducing their life risk and overall Corona virus transmission.

Keywords: Knowledge, Prevention, Practices, Female sex workers, COVID-19 pandemic, Bangladesh.


  1. MPH Fellow, Department of Health Education

    National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Mohakhali, Dhaka

  2. Medical Officer, Department of Nephrology

    Community Based Medical College & Hospital, Mymensingh

  3. MPH Fellow, Department of Health Education

    National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Mohakhali, Dhaka

  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiology

    Sheikh Hasina Medical College, Tangail

  5. Department of Health Education

    National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Mohakhali, Dhaka

  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health (OEH)

    National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), Mohakhali, Dhaka

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Volume 5, Number 1, January 2023
Page: 4-9