Marseille 2007
| Abstract #29 - Characteristics and Behaviors of Drug Using Male Sex Workers and Thier Networks | ||||
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Session: 6.69: Posters A (Poster) on Monday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Dr Sandra Timpson - UT Health Science Center at Houston, United States |
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| Additional Authors: Dr Mark Williams, Dr Michael Ross, Dr John Atkinson, | ||||
| Aim: We are conducting an ongoing study in order to determine the characteristics of the social and sexual networks associated with male sex workers. The questionnaire collected comprehensive data on sociodemographic variables, sexual behaviors, and drug use behaviors of male sex workers (MSWs). We assessed the characteristics and behaviors of the male sex workers and their sexual and drug using partners. Studies of male sex workers (MSWs) conducted in the United States and Europe report that MSWs have large numbers of sex partners, high rates of drug abuse and inconsistent condom use with customers and non-customers alike.(Kuyper et al., 2004; Williams et al., 2002; Estcourt et al, 2000; Reitmeijer et al, 1998; Morse et al, 1991). Data collected as part of our recent study of MSWs in Houston (Williams et al. 2003) compliment these descriptions of MSWs. Of the 399 men who participated in our study two-thirds self-identified as bisexual or heterosexual. MSWs reported over 20,000 male and female sexual partners in the 30 days before the interview. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics and behaviors of male sex workers and their Networks. | ||||
| Method / Issue: Participants were recruited from a neighborhood known for male prostitution in Houston, Texas to volunteer for the study. The screening questionnaire queried persons on recent use of illicit drugs, recent sexual behaviors, use of condoms and other latex barriers, health status, and willingness to participate in the study. The Sexual Network Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to collect data. The SNQ was designed to collect data on demographic characteristics, lifetime and current drug and needle use behaviors, current sexual behaviors, and STD/HIV history, and treatment. In addition, the SEQ is designed to collect data on condom use behaviors and intentions, self-efficacy beliefs, and normative beliefs. Measures of sociodemographic, current and lifetime drug use, and sexual behaviors. | ||||
| Results / Comments: We have conducted interviews with 397 people who named 4900 links with people that they had spent time with in the past 7 days. The majority of the interviewed respondents were male (84%) and White (47%). Forty four percent were African-American and 8% were Hispanic. Their average age was 33 year with a median of 32 years. The majority were single (83%), and the average education was 11 years. The majority reported being bisexual (44%), about a third said they were gay (32%), and 24% said they were straight. Eighty two percent reported using crack cocaine and all reported having sex in the past week. A high percent reported being HIV positive (24%). Three quarters of those interviewed reported trading sex for money and half reported trading sex for drugs. Of those who were trading sex for money or drugs, 21% reported trading sex in another city before coming to Houston | ||||
| Discussion: There is evidence that these street based MSWs engage in significantly high levels of drug use and sexual risk behaviors, exposing both themselves and their partners to HIV and other STIs. | ||||
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