Risk sexual behaviors that expose female sex workers to HIV infections: a study among female sex workers attending the GHWP Clinic at Kibuye, Kampala City

<b>ABSTRACT</b>HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant health concern globally; however, the situation is particularly dire in Africa, where the people living with HIV have seen a slight rise. Nevertheless, the continent is adopting new technological advancements in testing, treatment, and prevention strategies related to managing the disease. The study investigated the risky sexual behaviors that put Female Sex Workers (FSWs) at risk of HIV infections. A cross-sectional study that involved 200 female sex workers aged 18 and older was carried out utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative data was analyzed at the univariate level, while the qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Women reported being exposed to HIV infections due to several factors: improper condom usage by male clients, the belief that injectables can eliminate the HIV virus, the misconception that HIV is only transmitted through ejaculation, the belief that condoms cause dryness during intercourse, the lack of fear of new infections among infected women, and the notion that unprotected sex yields higher earnings. The study indicates a continued necessity for both private and public stakeholders to engage in ongoing community sensitization regarding accurate HIV/AIDS-related information.