242033 Social support and HIV risks among female sex workers in China

Monday, October 31, 2011

Xiaoming Li , Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Shan Qiao, PhD candidate , Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
Yuejiao Zhou , Center for Disease Control and Prevention,Guangxi Autonomous Region, China., Nanning, China
Wei Liu, MD , Guangxi Center for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control, Nanning, China
BACKGROUND: Most of the existing studies on FSWs in China have focused on their HIV/STI risks. Data are limited regarding the social support for this vulnerable population. The current study aims to examine the association between social support and FSWs' HIV-related knowledge and behaviors.

METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 1,022 FSWs recruited through community outreach from two southwest cities in China. Participants completed a self-administered survey on their demographics, social support, and HIV-related knowledge and behaviors.

RESULTS: A majority of the FSWs sought emotional support from their friends (76%), their co-workers (70%), families (58%) and stable partners (55%). The FSWs obtained advice mainly from co-workers (75%), friends (69%), families (55%), and gatekeepers (45%). They asked for economic support from their friends (42%), families (42%) and stable partners (41%). Seeking advice from their friends and gatekeepers was both significantly associated with more knowledge of HIV/AIDS and STIs, and consistent condom use with stable partners. Seeking emotional support from stable partners and co-workers was both significantly associated with inconsistent condom use, STI history and drug abuse.

CONCLUSION: The current study examines social support among FSWs in China and how various forms of social support from different people are related to FSWs' HIV- related knowledge and behaviors. Social support from friends and gatekeepers was conducive to reduce HIV risks while emotional support from stable partners and co-workers was related to heightened HIV risks. We call for appropriate interventions to utilize support from their peers and gatekeepers for HIV risk reduction.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe social support of female sex workers (FSWs) in China. 2. Examine how various forms of social support from different people are related to FSWs’ HIV-related knowledge and behaviors. 3. Explore culturally appropriate structural interventions to utilize support from FSWs’ peers and gatekeepers for HIV risk reduction.

Keywords: HIV Interventions, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract author because I oversee this study about alcohol use and sexual risk behaviors study in China
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.

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