Knowledge and practices about HIV/AIDS among the commercial sex workers in Bangladesh

A survey on knowledge and practices of 228 Bangladeshi commercial sex workers (CSWs) concerning AIDS was conducted in the largest brothel in Narayangonj, 20 km from the capital Dhaka in September through December, 1993. Only 18% of the respondents heard about AIDS and 8% knew about its propensity to sexual transmission. AIDS was believed to be curable by 5% of the total respondents. None were regular condom users, but 8% said condom use could prevent HIV infection. Vigorous AIDS awareness campaigns for the CSWs and their clients, leading to regular condom use, is necessary to prevent an explosive epidemic in Bangladesh.