Marseille 2007
Marseille 2007
Abstract book
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Abstract #187  -  Factors Associated with Lower Condom Utilization among Minor Female Sex Worker as Compare to Adult Female Sex Workers in Thailand
Session:
  48.2: Behaviour and prevention (Parallel) on Wednesday @ 08.30-10.30 in CP Chaired by Michael Ross, Marie Preau
Authors:
  Presenting Author:   Dr. PH Robert Buckingham - New Mexico State University, College of Health and Social Services, United States
 
  Additional Authors:  Dr John Moraros, Dr Yelena Bird, Mr Surasri Prapasiri, Ms Sasha King,  
Aim:
Study Objectives: Identify the key variant characteristics among minor and adult female sex workers (FSW) in Thailand. Distinguish the factors that may be associated in condom utilization among minor and adult female sex workers in Thailand. Understand the confluence of factors that make minor female sex workers more vulnerable in contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs.
 
Method / Issue:
The present cross-sectional study surveyed 150 female sex workers from brothels in four geographic areas of Thailand including: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and other small villages. These geographic locations were chosen because they represent the demographics of the country. All subjects were brothel-based FSW. The survey was designed taking into account the results of previous relevant research studies, expertise of researchers, review of pertinent scientific literature and consultation with public health officials in Thailand. All willing brothel based FSWs were able to participate in the study because there were no study restrictions. The survey was completely anonymous. All volunteers gave verbal consent prior to taking the survey questions. Native Thai-speaking public health and medical students from Mahidol University in Bangkok administered the forced-choice designed surveys. The survey included: FSW demographics, customer data, condom use, infection history, and attitudes regarding condom use & STD.
 
Results / Comments:
The mean age of the minor FSW was 14.7 years old, as opposed to 27.3 years for the adult FSW. The minor FSW surveyed were significantly more likely to report that they had higher numbers of customers per day (F=13.50, p<0.00), used condoms less frequently (F=14.43, p<0.00), were more willing to forgo condom use for monetary compensation (F=11.34, p<0.00), and had to buy their own condoms (F=12.33, p<0.00).
 
Discussion:
Condom mean use among minor FSW is considerably lower, while the number of clients seen per day is significantly higher than their adult FSW counterparts. Consequently, public health efforts in Thailand need to concentrate on this most desirable and yet vulnerable segment of the FSW population, if they are to successfully continue to decrease their HIV/AIDS incidence rates. These results are based on a convenience sampling technique, since subjects were not randomly selected. Therefore, generalization to other populations of FSW throughout Thailand is not possible. Second, the study used more than one person to conduct the interviews, and thus there may have been variations that influenced the study participants to elicit different responses to the posed questions. Third, the income level of the patrons was not determined, which may be an important determinant of condom use. Finally, the study had a 30% refusal rate, which significantly reduced the sample size.
 
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