Are information sources associated with the HIV-related knowledge among low-paying female sex workers in China?

Background: HIV prevention education has been promoted for many years among female sex workers who play a key role in HIV transmission in China. However, limited data are available regarding the information sources from which FSWs receive HIV-related knowledge, especially among low-paying FSW. This study aims to identify the sources from which FSWs obtain their HIV information, and whether these sources affect the level of their HIV-related knowledge. Method: The data were collected in 2011 in a rural county in Guangxi, China. One hundred and thirteen women with 15-56 years of age were included in a cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire. Collected information included their demographics, HIV knowledge, and sources from which they obtained the knowledge. Results: Free materials (64.6%) and TV (59.3%) were identified as the two main sources of HIV-related knowledge, followed by friends, advertisement bulletins, health care providers, books, broadcast, counseling service, and newspapers. Both higher education and gaining knowledge from free materials are positively associated with higher levels of HIV knowledge, while newspapers and advertisement bulletins negatively associated with levels of HIV knowledge. Discussion: The current study further emphasizes the necessity of enhancing the HIV-related education by strengthening existing information sources. Furthermore, more accurate information needs to be disseminated among sex workers working at low-end in the sex industry in China. We also call for accessible, nonjudgmental information delivery channels among this at-risk population.