Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #102569

Fumihiko Yokota, MPH, Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street Suite 2200, New Orleans, LA 70112, 504-988-6265, fyokota@hotmail.com

Objectives: To explore the reasons why Japanese men engage in commercial sex and other potentially risky sexual behaviors while on holiday in Thailand.

Data and Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 36 heterosexual male Japanese tourists aged 18-39, recruited at guesthouses in Bangkok. Data was collected regarding their reasons for commercial sex participation and inconsistent condom use with Thai female sex workers while traveling in Thailand.

Results: Analysis revealed five main factors that encourage heterosexual young male Japanese tourists to participate in commercial sex in Thailand: (1) a sense of freedom during the “time-out” period spent traveling in a foreign country, (2) a sense that there are permissive sexual norms governing commercial sex in Thailand, (3) a sense of economic and gender superiority relative to Thai women, (4) peer influence, and (5) the widespread availability of inexpensive sexual services. Study participants reported using condoms inconsistently because they were involved in “emotionally attached” relationships with Thai women and because the boundary between “safe” sex and “unsafe” sex partners was unclear.

Conclusions: In order to design effective programs to increase safe sexual behaviors among young male Japanese travelers, further study is needed to investigate the social, cultural, and emotional factors that influence HIV/STI risk behaviors within this vulnerable population.

Statement of Purpose: Due to a lack of formal qualitative research, the mind-set and motivation of heterosexual young Japanese men who engage in sexual tourism and risky sexual behaviors remains largely unknown. This paper provides information that will help better understand the dynamics of international sex tourism.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the learner will be able to understand the social, cultural, and emotional determinants of commercial sex participation and inconsistent condom use among male Japanese tourists in Thailand.

Keywords: Sexual Behavior, Mortality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation