POPLINE Document Number: 314793
Author(s):
Buckner M
Source citation:
In: Vivre et penser le sida en Afrique / Experiencing and understanding AIDS in Africa, edited by Charles Becker, Jean-Pierre Dozon, Christine Obbo and Moriba Toure. Paris, France, Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa [CODESRIA], 1998. :389-404.
Abstract:
Prostitutes are one of the most frequently cited groups at risk for AIDS in Africa and elsewhere. Working in major population centers and at busy crossroads, and generally highly infected with the HIV virus, they are often held responsible, at least partly, for the propagation of HIV infection. Numerous publications describe their reported sexual behavior and offer statistics relevant to HIV epidemiology. Studies of prostitutes abound, but are generally city-based, and women are selected solely because they practice prostitution. Ethnic background, geographical origin, family situation, and personal circumstances are usually mentioned briefly, if at all. Sometimes the only common denominator for these women is that they work as prostitutes, and that term itself refers to a wide range of practices. In this village-based study, the proverbial horse and cart are inverted. The women are considered first and foremost as members of their families, village, and culture, and only secondarily as having opted for prostitution as a means to earn cash. Most women born in the study area remain there, following a more or less traditional way of life. Yet, for various reasons, some leave to work as prostitutes in Bissau, Ziguinchor and other population centers of Guinea-Bissau and Casamance, sometimes venturing as far as Banjul. (excerpt)
Keywords:
Guinea-BissauIndex page
Research Report
Epidemiologic Methods
Case Studies
Sex Workers
Women in Development
HIV Infections
Prevalence
Risk Factors
Culture
Women's Status
Anthropology, Cultural
Life Cycle
Africa, Western
Africa South of the Sahara
Africa
Developing Countries
Research Methodology
Studies
Sex Behavior
Behavior
Economic Development
Economic Factors
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Measurement
Biology
Sociocultural Factors
Socioeconomic Factors
Anthropology
Social Sciences
Science
Family Research
Family and Household