THE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF HIV INFECTION IN FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Background : Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is one of the emerging infectious diseases which adult prevalence is almost 1% from the total population in the world.  Female sex workers (FSWs) are one group of population who at risk on this epidemic. Many factors are make FSWs more vulnerable to HIV compared to other groups in the population. Method : This is a literature review to learn about the social and environmental determinants of HIV infection in FSWs in Indonesia. Result : National AIDS Commission Republic of Indonesia reported 333,200 people living with HIV (PLHIV) are estimated at the end of the year of 2009. Integrated Behaviour Biological Survey in 2007 stated the prevalence of HIV infection were from 6% to 16% among direct FSWs and from 2% to 9% among indirect FSWs. Social determinant that influenced the vulnerability of FSWs on HIV infection included economic pressure and poverty, educational and personal life background, women role, legal aspect and policies, and trafficking and violence. Whereas, the environmental factors are workplace location, health care services, and mobility. Conclusion : Several social and environmental determinants are contributed the HIV vulnerability among FSWs in Indonesia both directly and indirectly. These factors and determinants frequently collaborate with each other to facilitate HIV transmission.   Several barriers and enablers for FSWs to change their risky behaviour to be less risky are also detected which very important in FSWs-HIV prevention programs. Keywords : Determinants, Environmental, Female Sex Workers, HIV, Indonesia, Social