PENGETAHUAN DAN SIKAP PEKERJA SEKS KOMERSIAL TENTANG PENYAKIT MENULAR SEKSUAL DI LOKALISASI BANGUNSARI SURABAYA

Abstract

Surabaya City Health Department (2010) noted that Health Centers located in red-light
regions have indicated highest number of cases of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Increased risk of STD spreading relates to behavioral factors such as of the sex workers and
their partners, reluctance to seek proper treatment, self treatment and incomplete treatment
protocol. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of applied knowledge and
attitudes relating to STDs among commercial sex workers in Bangunsari red-light zone in
2012.
This research was meant as a descriptive study, where data were collected through
observation and interviews. The population under study was as many as 255 commercial sex
workers in Bangunsari red-light zone and a sample of 72 sex workers were drawn by
systematic random sampling. Data processing was carried out on the variables using
appropriate computer program set for descriptive analysis.
Respondents' level of applied knowledge on Sexually Transmitted Diseases were
'good', represented by 34 (47%) respondents, 'fair' represented by 30 (42%) respondents.
Their knowledge are influenced by the level of their education, access to media information
and intervention by health workers. With regard to their attitude toward Sexually Transmitted
Diseases, commercial sex workers (CSWs) were 'good' as indicated by 67 (93%) respondents,
some of them were 'fair' indicated by 4% respondents. Their attitude are influenced by the
level of their education, access to media information, regular health examination, awareness to
stop their occupation knowing the high-risk of the sex workers and the role of health workers.
It is recommended that health workers keep up their positive activities such as
teaching and training, building on repondents existing skills to encourage commercial sex
workers to improve their knowledge and skills and to leave their present occupation. Efforts
should be made to improve media information on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) such
as the provision of counseling or pamphlets / leaflets / brochures on a more regular basis and
to encourage commercial sex workers (CSW) to be in touch with local health cadres to keep up
their motivation toward improved health.
Keywords : knowledge/ attitude/ commercial sex workers/ Sexually Transmitted Diseases