Ethnography of prostitution in Kamathipura and Khetwadi sections of Bombay, India. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1993. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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Ethnography of prostitution in Kamathipura and Khetwadi sections of Bombay, India.

Int Conf AIDS. 1993 Jun 6-11;9(1):113 (abstract no. WS-D10-3). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/93333305
Oostvogels R; Karamade A; Bombay Municipal Corporation.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To provide the authorities concerned with an ethnographic picture of the situation in Kamathipura and Khetwadi red light areas. The ethnographic picture of the situation allows develop questionnaires for a structured survey. On the basis of data collected, strategies and plan for intervention aimed at prevention of HIV transmission in the circuit of prostitution were to be designed. Participant observation was introduced as a method of research by anthropologists. An attempt is made to adapt and integrate this method in research of settings of sexual high risk behaviour. Researchers go on the spot, befriend women and men in the high risk settings, to some extent become part of their world. Before structured surveys are feasible, qualitative data was collected on beliefs, concepts, sexual practices and attitudes, power relation. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: During a period of six months a number of qualitative research steps were taken. Key persons controlling the sex trade were identified and approached. Peer leaders from among sex workers and their gharwali (brothel keepers) were contacted and in depth interviews were undertaken. An in depth client study was undertaken. All brothels were mapped. The entertainment circuit of cinemas, restaurants and bars was explored. Focus groups were conducted with sex workers and clients and with affiliated groups of gharwali, dalal, taxi drivers and police. A similar procedure was followed to assess existing health and STD services. RESULTS: On the basis of ethnography, inventory and other data a comprehensive plan was developed to tackle Kamathipura and Khetwadi with STD/AIDS prevention/control programme.
Keywords: *Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/PREVENTION & CONTROL *HIV *HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL *Prostitution/ETHNOLOGY *Sexually Transmitted Diseases/PREVENTION & CONTROLKWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/prevention&controlKWDhivKWDhivinfections/prevention&controlKWDprostitution/ethnologyKWDsexuallytransmitteddiseases/prevention&control
931130
M93B5745

Copyright © 1993 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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