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，关于性工作者母亲与孩子进行性健康交流的信念知之甚少。使用在印度加尔各答收集的定性数据，本研究使用计划行为理论的父母扩展来检查性工作者母亲对性健康交流的信念以及塑造这些信念的因素。性工作者母亲对性健康交流的信念受到社会规范和集体化过程的影响，这些过程通常由印度加尔各答的性工作者集体 Durbar Mahila Samanwaya 委员会 (DMSC) 推动。具体来说，我们发现挑战污名化、承担对自己的身体和健康的所有权、使相关的物质资源和知识易于获取和有意义是支持母亲克服性健康交流障碍的关键。这些集体化过程塑造了母亲对性健康交流的信念，并促进了她们参与其中的能力。未来的研究、政策和项目应考虑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。