Social characteristics and sexual behaviour of women at high risk of HIV infection in a town in Central Province of Kenya.

Forty seven women food handlers who were considered to be at high risk of HIV infection in Thika town of Central Province of Kenya were studied. The women were interviewed individually for information related to their social characteristics and sexual behaviour. The study showed that 91% were bar attendants, 58% had less than 7 years of formal education and 95% were either unmarried or divorced. All the women had at least one child. One of them practised anal sex but the rest practised vaginal sex. Their opinions on condom use revealed that they lacked knowledge on the advantages of condom use. Certain issues have been raised by this study, which call for in depth studies or incorporation into ongoing studies.