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The findings presented in this book are part of the research undertaken for the fulfilment of Doctor of Philosophy in Population Studies at the International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai. This research is an attempt to understand inter- relationship between the life, work and reproductive health of the sex workers in two districts of Kerala,India. A total of 293 sex workers participated in the research. Mixed method approach was used to elicit information under the broad themes of socio-demographic, work related, clients, sexual behaviour, condom use, violence, reproductive health and mental health status issues from the sexworkers. Data analysis is carried out using univariate and multivariate statistical techniques and the results are substantiated with qualitative information. Perspective of the present study is to recognize sex worker´s human dignity and accept their livelihood option as a valid occupation. Thus the study considers sex workers as any other individual in the society with their own desires, needs, ambitions and problems.

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Saritha Nair, Ph.D.,a demographer by training is a socio- behavioural scientist at the department of Bio-Statistics, National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai. Dr.Nair works in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, gender issues and male involvement in reproductive health.

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