William Chi Wai Wong1, Sealing Cheng2, Heidi Yin Hai Miu3, Jason J Ong4, Julie Chen5, Kelley Ann Loper6. 1. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Electronic address: wongwcw@hku.hk. 2. The Anthropology Department, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 3. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 4. Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. 5. Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Bau Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Education, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. 6. The Department of Law, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hong Kong has no systematic domestic policies committed to the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees (ASRs). This study explores the sexual health behaviours and social inequities amongst African ASRs in Hong Kong. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of African ASRs was conducted through three local non-governmental organizations in 2013. A logistic model was used to test the interactions and relationship between the respondents' consistent condom use and contextual antecedents, socio-demographic factors, psychosocial factors and condom self-efficacy (CSE) score. RESULTS: 371 adult African ASRs were recruited. In the previous month, 35% and 38% of participants consistently had used condoms with regular and casual sexual partners respectively. However, less than 50% perceived no risk of HIV/STIs and less than 60% reported not knowing how to access sexual health screening. Consistent condom use was less likely among African ASRs who were married (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.10), used recreational drugs (aOR = 0.11) or were unsure of their sexual orientation (aOR = 0.05) and was positively associated with higher CSE scores (aOR = 1.09) Pre-migration determinants and lifestyle determinants accounted for most of the variance in the model. CONCLUSION: The inconsistent condom use makes African ASRs vulnerable to HIV/STIs. Tailored interventions are needed to address the associated determinants and inequities amongst African ASRs living in Hong Kong.
BACKGROUND: Hong Kong has no systematic domestic policies committed to the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees (ASRs). This study explores the sexual health behaviours and social inequities amongst African ASRs in Hong Kong. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of African ASRs was conducted through three local non-governmental organizations in 2013. A logistic model was used to test the interactions and relationship between the respondents' consistent condom use and contextual antecedents, socio-demographic factors, psychosocial factors and condom self-efficacy (CSE) score. RESULTS: 371 adult African ASRs were recruited. In the previous month, 35% and 38% of participants consistently had used condoms with regular and casual sexual partners respectively. However, less than 50% perceived no risk of HIV/STIs and less than 60% reported not knowing how to access sexual health screening. Consistent condom use was less likely among African ASRs who were married (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.10), used recreational drugs (aOR = 0.11) or were unsure of their sexual orientation (aOR = 0.05) and was positively associated with higher CSE scores (aOR = 1.09) Pre-migration determinants and lifestyle determinants accounted for most of the variance in the model. CONCLUSION: The inconsistent condom use makes African ASRs vulnerable to HIV/STIs. Tailored interventions are needed to address the associated determinants and inequities amongst African ASRs living in Hong Kong.