OBJECTIVE: To analyze the extent by which Chinese female sex workers (FSWs) serve as vectors of HIV/AIDS to an otherwise spared general population and to describe the implications of centering efforts solely on this high-risk group. GOAL: By using the example of FSWs in China, we intend to demonstrate the role that structural factors can have on HIV transmission above and beyond individual high-risk behaviors. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review of years 1980-2006. RESULTS: Analysis of the literature suggests that major determinants of HIV transmission amongst FSWs in China include sociopolitical context, gender, work environment and finally, risky sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese FSWs live in a specific sociopolitical context that shapes their capacities to engage in safe-sex practices. Focusing on FSWs as vectors of HIV/AIDS epidemic in China neglects the larger context that endangers all members of society and blames an already vulnerable population.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the extent by which Chinese female sex workers (FSWs) serve as vectors of HIV/AIDS to an otherwise spared general population and to describe the implications of centering efforts solely on this high-risk group. GOAL: By using the example of FSWs in China, we intend to demonstrate the role that structural factors can have on HIV transmission above and beyond individual high-risk behaviors. STUDY DESIGN: Literature review of years 1980-2006. RESULTS: Analysis of the literature suggests that major determinants of HIV transmission amongst FSWs in China include sociopolitical context, gender, work environment and finally, risky sexual behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese FSWs live in a specific sociopolitical context that shapes their capacities to engage in safe-sex practices. Focusing on FSWs as vectors of HIV/AIDS epidemic in China neglects the larger context that endangers all members of society and blames an already vulnerable population.
Authors: Joanne E Mantell; Michael T LeVasseur; Xiaoming Sun; Jiangfang Zhou; Jingshu Mao; Yanhui Peng; Feng Zhou; Abby L DiCarlo; Elizabeth A Kelvin Journal: Glob Public Health Date: 2015
Authors: Qi Zhang; Diane Lauderdale; Shanshan Mou; William I Parish; Edward O Laumann; John Schneider Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2009-11 Impact factor: 2.681