M L Wong1, R K Chan, W L Chua, S Wee. 1. Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore. cofwml@leonis.nus.edu.sg
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Most studies in Asia exclude freelance female sex workers because of difficulties in access and the illegality of their work. Data are lacking on their risk behaviors. GOAL: To compare sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates, condom use, and health screening behavior between freelance and brothel-based sex workers in Singapore. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional survey of 111 free-lance sex workers arrested from November 1996 to March 1997 for illicit prostitution and 333 randomly selected brothel-based sex workers. All were tested for STDs. RESULTS: STDs were significantly more prevalent among freelance than brothel-based sex workers (34.8% vs. 24.0%). Inconsistent condom use was significantly higher among freelance than brothel-based sex workers and was significantly associated with younger age, decreasing number of clients, and perception of non-condom use among peers. CONCLUSION: Educational programs to promote condom use should target freelance sex workers and their clients.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Most studies in Asia exclude freelance female sex workers because of difficulties in access and the illegality of their work. Data are lacking on their risk behaviors. GOAL: To compare sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates, condom use, and health screening behavior between freelance and brothel-based sex workers in Singapore. STUDY DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional survey of 111 free-lance sex workers arrested from November 1996 to March 1997 for illicit prostitution and 333 randomly selected brothel-based sex workers. All were tested for STDs. RESULTS: STDs were significantly more prevalent among freelance than brothel-based sex workers (34.8% vs. 24.0%). Inconsistent condom use was significantly higher among freelance than brothel-based sex workers and was significantly associated with younger age, decreasing number of clients, and perception of non-condom use among peers. CONCLUSION: Educational programs to promote condom use should target freelance sex workers and their clients.
Keywords:
Asia; Barrier Methods; Behavior; Comparative Studies; Condom; Contraception; Contraceptive Methods; Developing Countries; Diseases; Family Planning; Hiv Infections; Infections; Measurement; Prevalence; Prostitutes--women; Reproductive Tract Infections; Research Methodology; Research Report; Risk Reduction Behavior; Sex Behavior; Sexually Transmitted Diseases; Singapore; Southeastern Asia; Studies; Viral Diseases; Women
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