We examined the risk perceptions, prevention and treatment seeking for HIV/AIDS/STIs of 124 female commercial sex
workers from 52 randomly selected brothels in Kano, Nigeria using a descriptive cross sectional design. We analysed the
data using Epi Info®
3.5.1. The mean age of the sex workers was 26.4 ± 1.9 years, and most were indigenous Hausas
(33.9%), single (50.8%) and had at least secondary school level of education (51.7%). Majority perceived that unprotected
sexual intercourse (96.0%) is the commonest risk factor associated with STIs and HIV/AIDs acquisition. Surprisingly,
25.8% did not believe that any method protect against STIs and HIV/AIDS. The most common symptom reported was
perineal itching (53.6%); and 60.7% with the symptoms continued to have unprotected sex. Alarmingly, 29.6% of the sex
workers were HIV positive, and all continued with unprotected sexual intercourse with clients. Despite the sex workers’
good perception and knowledge of HIV/AIDS/STIs prevention, they demonstrated unhealthy sex behaviour and treatment
seeking. We recommend a peer education package that targets the workers and their clients, with focus on reducing risk
behaviours associated with STIs and HIV transmission, safer sex; and treatment seeking (Afr J Reprod Health 2012;
16[1]:61-67).