Abstract

In India, relatively little is known about sex worker mothers’ beliefs regarding sexual health communication with their children. Using qualitative data collected in Kolkata, India, this study used the Parent Expansion of the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine sex worker mothers’ beliefs about sexual health communication and factors shaping these beliefs. Sex worker mothers’ beliefs about sexual health communication were shaped by societal norms and collectivising processes often driven by Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC), a sex workers’ collective in Kolkata, India. Specifically, we found that challenging stigma, assuming ownership over one’s body and health, and making relevant material resources and knowledge accessible and meaningful were key in supporting mothers to overcome barriers around sexual health communication. These collectivising processes shaped mothers’ beliefs about sexual health communication and facilitated their ability to engage in it. Future research, policies and programmes should consider the far-reaching impact of community-led structural interventions on sex worker mothers and their children.

摘要

在印度，对性工作者母亲关于与子女进行性健康交流的信念知之甚少。该研究使用在印度加尔各答收集的定性数据，使用“计划行为理论的父母扩展”研究性工作者母亲对性健康交流的信念以及形成这些信念的因素。性工作者母亲对性健康交流的信念是由社会规范和集体化进程所塑造的，这些过程通常是由印度加尔各答的性工作者团体Durbar Mahila Samanwaya委员会（DMSC）推动的。具体来说，我们发现挑战性的污名，承担对人的身体和健康的所有权，使相关的物质资源和知识容易获得和有意义，是支持母亲克服性健康沟通障碍的关键。这些集体化过程塑造了母亲对性健康交流的信念，并促进了她们进行性健康交流的能力。未来的研究，政策和计划应考虑到社区主导的结构性干预对性工作者母亲及其子女的深远影响。