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Tooru Nemoto, PhD1, Don Operario, PhD2, Mariko Iwamoto1, Serena Wong3, and Rachel Nguyen-Young3. (1) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of Califonia, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery St., Suite #250, San Francisco, CA 94105, 415-597-9391, tnemoto@psg.ucsf.edu, (2) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA 94105, (3) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery St. #200, San Francisoco, CA 94105
Objective: To identify and describe Asian masseuses’ drug use and HIV-related behaviors in relation to their work environment and socio-cultural factors. To develop a culturally appropriate HIV/STD intervention program for Asian masseuses.
Method: Forty-three Asian masseuses (22 Thai and 21 Vietnamese women) participated in focus groups. Qualitative interviews with eight massage parlor owners/managers were also conducted. Study participants were recruited through convenience sampling from 22 Asian massage parlors identified in San Francisco. We used a grounded theory approach to analyze transcribed data and explore environmental and behavioral factors that expose these women to HIV and other health risks.
Results: Asian masseuses described HIV/AIDS related risk behaviors at their work environment. They reported having multiple customers a day, engaging in high HIV risk behaviors (e.g., sex work during menses and frequent douching) and unprotected sex with customers due to economic pressure to support family members in their home countries. Some masseuses use substances as a coping mechanism for work-related stress. Owners/managers reported their concerns about masseuses’ health, however masseuses could not utilize health services, such as medical check-up and HIV/STD testing due to language and cultural barriers. Many of the masseuses also reported frequent unsafe sex with their private partners.
Conclusion: Effective interventions for reducing Asian massage parlor workers’ HIV risk should address multiple factors that contribute to health and sexual risk behaviors. Based on these findings, we constructed a culturally relevant health promotion program, which targets masseuses as well as owners/managers of massage parlors.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Women and HIV/AIDS, Asian and Pacific Islander
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.