Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours related to Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS among factory workers in Seethawaka Export Processing Zone, Avissawella, Sri Lanka

• DOI: 10.4038/joshhm.v2i0.40
• Publication Date: 2017-03-21T10:26:52Z
• Authors: R. W. K. M. D. Ra...; G. Weerasinghe
• Keywords: Sex workers; Cross-sectional study

<strong>Introduction: </strong>Factory workers in Export Processing Zones (EPZs) have been identified as a group with vulnerable behaviour for acquiring Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV due to many social and environmental risk factors. This study was done assess the knowledge, attitudes behaviours related STI HIV/AIDS among male female factory Seethawaka EPZ. <strong> </strong> <strong>Method: </strong>A descriptive cross sectional carried out 430 EPZ, using self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis SPSS 16.0. <strong>Results: </strong>Majority (85%) had satisfactory level of knowledge on HIV. Age (p= 0.0001), education (p=0.031) working category 0.0001) were significantly associated knowledge. Only 7.6% tested though 83.2% knew about testing. Knowledge STIs fairly good (&gt;75%) except awareness asymptomatic nature (24.4%). Many (56.7%) showed poor towards people living (PLHIV). Education (P=0.0001), (p=0.003) (P=0.0001) significant association attitudes. Sex non-regular partners (NRP) during past 12 months reported by 36.2% males 27.4% females but only 64% men 48.4% women used condom their last NRP. Male sex prevalent 14.6% 30% them condoms at anal sex. <strong>Conclusions: </strong>Knowledge there some areas those need further strengthening which would improve workers’ PLHIV. Furthermore, change communication promotion programmes are highly recommended promote safe