Examining the Use of Technology by Mobile Sex Workers for Service Utilization in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Till now, extensive research has been done related to the female sex workers and their crucial role in transmitting HIV infection. Their mobility also has been targeted and still the studies are undergoing yet.

The current paper attempts to examine the use of technology by mobile sex workers for service utilization. The data has been collected in and around Tirupati urban area. A total of 20 in-depth interviews and one focus group discussion have been conducted by using qualitative guidelines. Out of twenty in-depth interviews, 10 each from female sex workers and key informants have been conducted with the help of in-depth interview guideline. The qualitative data has been analyzed by using Atlas-ti software package. The results of this study show that usage of technology among mobile female sex workers is high for solicitation of clients. They are also knowledgeable about the advance communication techniques which are available at present. Majority of the studied population found to have mobile phones. Few of them, especially those who are obtained higher education, found to be utilizing internet. They opined that technology can be used to enhance the accessibility to mobile population by the Government or Non- Government programmes.