219352 Female sex workers' stable sexual partners in China: A hidden population at high risk of HIV transmission

Monday, November 8, 2010

Chen Zhang , School of Rural Public Health, Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Yan Hong, PhD , Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health, College Station, TX
Xiaoming Li, PhD , Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Background: Heterosexual transmission has become the dominant mode of HIV transmission in China since 2005. Commercial sex plays a critical role in the country's escalating HIV/AIDS epidemic. Most existing studies on female sex workers (FSWs) were focused on sexual behaviors between FSWs and clients; data are limited on the FSWs' stable sex partners.

Methods: A sample of 1,022 FSWs was recruited through community outreach from different types of commercial sex establishments in two cities of Southwest China. The participants completed a self-administered cross-sectional survey on their demographics and HIV/STI-related behaviors and risk factors.

Results: About 70% (N=716) of FSWs had stable partners, 6% of them had multiple stable partners. FSWs' stable partners included boyfriends (65%), husbands (20%), lovers or return clients (18%) Of these stable partners, 19% had or might have other sexual partners. About 40% FSWs had abortions for stable partners; 18 % FSWs never used and only 17% always used condoms with their stable partners. In the last three sexual acts, only 34% always used condoms. Consistent condom use with stable partners was independently and significantly associated with working in higher level of commercial sex venue (p<.005) and having condom use communication with partners (p<.01).

Conclusion: FSWs' stable partners are at high risks of HIV/STI infection and transmission. Many of FSWs' stable partners had other sexual partners and did not use condoms consistently. Culturally appropriate and effective interventions are urgently needed for FSWs with stable partner and the stable partners themselves.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the session, you’ll be able to: 1. Describe the characteristics of stable sexual partners of female sex workers (FSWs) in China. 2. Examine the HIV/STI risks associated with FSWs’ stable partners. 3. Explore culturally appropriate and effective interventions for FSWs and their stable partners in China.

Keywords: Sex Workers, Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am involved in this research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.