Kalikov J, Mand K, Elooio KT, Kalikova N; International Conference on AIDS.
Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 990-1 (abstract no. 44277).
AIDS Prevention Center, Estonia.
Sex workers in Estonia have been advised since 1994 by a nonprofit AIDS Information and Support Center. First research showed that several hundreds of young women, half of them adolescents, had become involved in the sex-business without prior information and education about safe sex. Finnish-Estonian coproject "Sea Star" was launched in November 1996 and financially supported by the EU. The aim of the project was to provide help to sex workers on safe sex, and medical and psycho-social assistance. AIDS Information and Support Center offered information about and means of safe sex, free medical consulting, conducted research and treatment of STDs, provided psycho-social assistance (drop-in center, psycho-therapeutical and legal counseling). With Finnish assistance, a safe sex guide for sex workers has been printed. During 1997, 142 sex workers were helped and counseled by the Center. The project was evaluated by anonymous questionnaire. We studied social changes and other ecological impacts. As a result, from 1994-1997, the number of adolescents has decreased from 50% to 22.5%, safe sex practices improved--70% always use condoms, 29% use condoms sometimes. Unfortunately the use of alcohol and drug has increased. 34% of the sex workers have experienced sexual abuse and/or incest in their childhood and 48% have experienced sexual abuse at work. (a) External social changes influence the age, national and migration structure of the sex workers. (b) Consistent counseling and educational work has been very successful. (c) International cooperation helps to analyze, influence and manipulate the process of sex work.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Adolescent
- Behavior
- Condoms
- Estonia
- Female
- Health Services
- Helping Behavior
- Humans
- Organizations
- Prostitution
- Research
- Safe Sex
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Teaching
- education
- organization & administration
Other ID:
UI: 102231910
From Meeting Abstracts