Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behavior Toward Sexually-Transmitted Infections in Turkish Sex Trade Workers SUKRAN SIMSEK Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey NALAN OZHAN ELBAS Gazi University, Golbasi-Ankara, Turkey ADNAN KISA Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey SOPHIA F. DZIEGIELEWSKI University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA DILAVER TENGILIMOGLU Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey The incidence and subsequent rise of sexually transmitted infec- tions (STIs) is an important public health problem in Turkey, as it is in other parts of the world. Since the mid-1980s, the incidence of STIs among the Turkish population has increased dramatically, particularly in the major urban areas. One hundred and fifty regis- tered sex trade workers were interviewed to examine their current perceptions, knowledge, and behaviors. Socio-demographic infor- mation and other responses were tabulated as well as discussion of current behaviors and practices. Future recommendations are made to assist social workers, nurses, and other professionals in the area of public health. Suggestions include: (a) helping to in- crease awareness of problems within the sex trade among decision Address correspondence to Sophia F. Dziegielewski, Professor, School of Social Work, University of Central Florida, P.O. Box 163358, Orlando, FL, 32816-3358. E-mail: sdziegie@mail.ucf.edu Stress, Trauma, and Crisis, 7: 105118, 2004 Copyright # Taylor & Francis Inc. ISSN: 1543-4613 print/1543-4591 online DOI: 10.1080=15434610490450905 105