Predictors of condom use among female sex workers in Thailand: Implication for health behavior modification intervention

Purpose: The study examined predictors of condom use among female sex workers (FSW) in Thailand.

Methods: Cross sectional questionnaire survey was done on 150 Thai FSW. The Health Belief Model was used to assess the perceived susceptibility of FSW to HIV/AIDS infection and benefits of condom use. Statistical analysis was performed on specific areas of interest including condom use, infection history and general concern and worries about sexually transmitted diseases.

Results: Mean proportion of condom use among FSW was 51% suggesting nearly half (49%) of them do not practice safer sex. Correlation analysis indicated that worrying about HIV/AIDS (perceived susceptibility) and condom use prevents infection (perceived benefit) were the strongest predictors of condom use by FSW. Similarly, higher perceived risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS infection from westerner patrons was the next significant predictor for high condom use (76%) as compared to perceived risk by having sex with Thai patrons (27%). Urban based FSW and younger FSW were found to use high percentage of condoms as compared to rural based FSW and older FSW.

Conclusion: Health behavior modification intervention is needed in order to promote and educate native Thai males to consistently use condoms when having sex with FSW. Similarly, older aged FSW and FSW from rural areas should be targeted for behavior modification in an effort to increase their condom use with patrons. Best practice intervention methods need to be identified and used to enhance condom utilization among these FSW in Thailand.