Study of Sexual Behaviour of Bar-girls Residing in an Urban Slum Area of Mumbai

BACKGROUND: Bar girls are unorganized, difficult to reach high-risk group, and an urban phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: To study the demographic profile and sexual behavior of bar girls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study setting is an urban slum area situated in the northwest part of Mumbai. Study design is a community-based cross-sectional study. Study duration was from January 2003 to January 2005. Phase I: Identification of key informants was done. Phase II: Mapping of bar girls in the study area was done with the help of key informants. SAMPLING: Out of the estimated 800-1200 bar girls, 120 bar girls who were willing to participate in the study were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. Confidentiality of names and locations was assured to both key informants and study subjects. Information was gathered about demographic profile, educational status, and their sexual behavior by conducting one to one interview with the use of predesigned, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Most of the bar girls were in the age group of 21–25 years 52 (43.3%). None of them were educated above secondary level. Most of the subjects belong to West Bengal state 58 (48.4%). Majority of the subjects 88 (73.3%) reported that they have ever practiced commercial sex, and money was the criteria of selection of customers 53 (60.22%). Condom usage was reported less with regular customer as compared with that of nonregular customers (χ(2) = 6.02, P < 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Need to emphasize condom use with each and every sexual act irrespective of type of customers.