Perceptions of Hijra Sex Workers Living with HIV Infection towards the Disease in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Hijra sex workers are potential reservoir of HIV infection and contribute to spread of
HIV in the general population through their clients who act as a bridging population.
The present research mainly focused to study the perception of Hijra Sex Workers
(HSWs) with positive HIV infection toward HIV/AIDs as disease in Punjab. The
researchers adopted the phenomenological approach for both data collection and its
analysis. The study population consisted of HSWs AID/HIV patients receiving symptom
relief care at AIDs preventive program initiated by the provincial health department of
the Punjab. The researcher conducted 12 in-depth interviews by applying qualitative
technique. Locale of the present research study was Treatment Centre for HIV/AIDS at
Jinnah Hospitals, Lahore working in the Hospital with an out-patient ward. The research
team developed themes reflected during the entire study were as awareness about
HIV/AIDs, social support system, post HIV/AIDs sexual conduct in clientage process and
challenges in their treatment.The present research study highlighted about Hijras as key
source for the transmission of HIV/AIDs. It is find out that Hjras clientage process is
prevailed in Punjab by varies ways. In the study area it was identified that Hijras had
one regular sex partner called Girya in their local terminology, this person support and
guide HIV positive patient for their regular checkup and treatment. Among the major
challenges faced by HIV positive Hijras are social stigma and low income, which
negatively associated with the treatment process of the HIV positive patient. The present
study recommended about the normal life of HIV/AIDS positive person‟s because of their
regular checkup and treatment.