Study of sexual behavior and prevalence of STIs/RTIs and HIV among female workers of textile industries in Surat city, Gujarat, India

BACKGROUND: Surat city is vulnerable to transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/HIV due to its huge migratory population in diamond and textile industries. Females working in textile industries were not receiving focused intervention although they were at high risk of acquiring STIs/HIV. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to know the prevalence of various STIs and HIV among the group of female textile workers in Surat city. The findings of the study will be helpful for policy decision makers to address the issues of a specific vulnerable group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 257 female workers in various textile markets were enrolled in the present study. Data were collected by the help of a pre-tested questionnaire and analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel and the EPI Info software. RESULT: Overall prevalence of various STIs/RTIs (reproductive tract infections) was 16.73%, whereas HIV positivity was 1.17%. Bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis were the most common infections. CONCLUSION: Groups such as female textile workers need to be taken care of especially to enhance the HIV prevention and control activities in Surat city, which would help in breaking the chain of transmission.