Worku, Alemayhu(PhD)Abayneh, Asamnew2018-06-282023-11-052018-06-282023-11-052005-07http://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/4499Background : The global AIDS epidemic is one of the greatest challenges facing our generation. It is unique in human history in its rapid spread, its extent and the death of its impact. The available information on HIV prevalence shows the rapid spreading trend of infection among the general population of Ethiopia in general, and among sex workers in particular. Survey conducted in several cites over the past four years have documented high rates of HIV infection among CSWs. Infection levels are above 65.70% in CSWs in Baherdar and Nazareth. Objective : To assesses HIV/AIDS and related risk behavior of commercial sex workers in Awassa town, Southern Nation Nationality People’s Regional State. Method : Quantitative cross-sectional study design was applied from October – December 2004. The study population were all CSWs working in the licensed non-brothel establishments in Awassa town which is determined by random sampling method. The sample size required for this study was determined using the formula for estimating single population proportion and a total of 374 CSWs were used. Data entry and analysis was conducted using EPI-6 and SPSS. Result : The knowledge of the sex worker about HIV/AIDS indicate that 244 (65.2%) know all mode of prevention, 137 (36.6%) had no incorrect beliefs and 167 (44.7%) had comprehensive knowledge. Concerning alcohol and drug use, 355 (94.92%) of the sex workers had consumed drinks containing alcohol in the previous four weeks. Out of the total alcohol drunker 212 (59.72%) and out of the total condom breakage 64 (59.81%) were identified in the age group 20-24 years. Condom use with paying clients from previous September on ward indicate that 344 (92%) had used condom consistently. During this time, 107 (28.6%) condom breakages and 29 ( 7.75%) condom slippage were occurred among the sex worker. ix Discussion : The comprehensive knowledge and knowledge scores of the sex worker indicate that increasing awareness . During recent sex 124 ( 33.16%) of the sex worker and 159 (42.5%) of the clients were intoxicated indicating cigarette smoking , hard liquor, beer and wine consumption had association with female intoxication. Similarly, drinking hard liquor had association with condom breakage. Moreover, increasing number of consistent condom user, condom breakage and slippage were identified compared with previous study. The actual participation of sex workers putting on condom on clients penis was low. There is a need to have more attention to the actual participation of sex worker. Conclusion : There is wide gap between knowledge about HIV/AIDS and perceived risk of infection. There is also increasing clients involvement in asking condom use and putting on while the sex workers were not. Knowledge regarding factors associated with condom breakage was low and the proportion of condom breakage was high. This was due to the fact that poor knowledge about perceived risk of HIV/AIDS/STDs infection and increased involvement of sex worker in the younger ages (20-24 years) in alcohol and drug use.enAssessment of Health Care Seeking Behavior at Household LevelThesis