AEGiS-15IAC: The female child domestic worker: A Research to document implications of sexual abuse in respect to HIV infection in Amwuo-Odofin Local government Area In Lagos State Nigeria.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

The female child domestic worker: A Research to document implications of sexual abuse in respect to HIV infection in Amwuo-Odofin Local government Area In Lagos State Nigeria.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. D10017)

Udofia UR
Ciscghan, Lagos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: the conversion of 'work as part of a child's upbringing' in african tradition for commercial gains exacerbated the sexual exploitation of female child domestics mostly by male members of household served. with little or no formal education, majority lack knowledge about adolescent reproductive health, HIV/AIDS/STIs and sexual health knowledge. the study, limited to female child domestics' age 9-21 years was conducted in amwuo-odofin community in lagos state Nigeria as a pilot project to establish relationship of sexual exploitation of female child domestics and hiv infection. method: 200 randomly selected respondents were interviewed using unstructured questionnaire administered one on one with in-depth discussion. data included age, method of recruitment, knowledge of sexual health, HIV/AIDS/STIs, condoms, hormonal contraceptives, number of sexual partners and history of stis, pregnancy and abortion.results: 65% were 16years, 25% above 18 and 10% below 16years. 100% were recruited through a vil lage member in the city. 85% were coerced into sex at age 10 by a male member of the household served. 80% were involved in sexual relationship with male members of the household and others. 20% had no information on sexual health and HIV/AIDS/STIs while 80% were misinformed.10% had knowledge of condoms and use through sex partner. only 5% had knowledge of hormonal contraceptive. 80% had presented with one form of STI or the other. 20% had had abortions more than 5 times. 5% complained of unexplained virginal discharges, fatigue and recurrent headaches.

CONCLUSION: the invisible nature of domestic work increases the vulnerability of female child domestics to hiv infection as a result of sexual exploitation by male members of the household served. a holistic approach addressing prevention, care and support should be adopted to address the peculiar nature of this issue hence mitigate the exacerbation of HIV infection especially among young females.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Infections, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Condoms, Sexual Partners, Government, Sex Offenses, Research, HIV Seropositivity, Local Government, Nigeria, Child, Humans, Female, Pregnancy, Adolescence, Male

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D10017