Objective To assess the knowledge, attitude and practises regarding STDs/RTI among the commercial sex workers.

Material and Methods It was a cross sectional study conducted among 204 commercial sex workers, residing in different places of Dhaka metropolitan city. Data were collected by questionnaire.

Results It was found that the mean age of commercial sex workers was 17.8 years. Regarding educational status, 57% of the respondents were illiterate, 30% primary level and 13% were secondary level of education. It was found that 40% of the respondents were unmarried followed by 50% abandoned. Majority of the respondents 93% heard about STDs/RTI, but knowledge regarding STDs/RTI among the respondents was not adequate. Majority of the respondents 74% had fair knowledge followed by poor knowledge 17%. Only 19% of the respondents had good knowledge. Regarding attitude, more than half of the respondents 57% agreed that STDs/RTI are harmful disease and need proper treatment followed by strongly agreed 3.6%. About three fourth of the respondents 70% agreed that condom should be used during every sexual act followed by strongly agreed 23% and only 3% of the respondents disagreed. It was also found that 73% of the respondents needed more knowledge about STDs/RTI. Nature of the sexual practise among the commercial sex workers was per vaginal 94%, only 6% of the respondents reported oral sex either forceful or taking high money.

Conclusion The magnitude of the problems of STDs/RTI is an increasing public health concern in Bangladesh. It was evident that preventive measures among them were inadequate. It was clear that most of the commercial sex workers having STDs did not seek medical treatment. Provision of appropriate health information with focus on health education improves their knowledge about STDs/RTI with its symptoms, prevention and hygienic practise.