Exploring HIV Prevention Strategies among Street-Based Female Sex Workers in Chongqing, China

Female sex workers (FSW) are disproportionately at risk for HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention method, yet approaches for incorporating PrEP within prevention strategies used by FSW are lacking. Semistructured focus group discussions were conducted with 44 HIV-negative FSW in Lilongwe, Malawi to explore perceptions of PrEP: acceptability, integration within HIV prevention behaviors, and barriers to use. Acceptability of PrEP was high. Motivation to use PrEP was rooted in love for one's life, anticipated negative economic effects associated with HIV acquisition. PrEP was viewed as complementary to existing norms for engaging in healthy sexual behaviors. Many felt PrEP may provide extra protection from HIV, along with condoms and frequent STI testing. Unpredictable daily lives, stigma, and side effects were barriers that could affect PrEP use. Leveraging existing HIV prevention strategies and social norms surrounding HIV prevention behaviors may positively impact PrEP uptake among FSW in Malawi and sub-Saharan Africa.

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Structural and Environmental Barriers to Condom Use Negotiation With Clients Among Female Sex Workers: Implications for HIV-Prevention Strategies and Policy

American Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2105/ajph.2007.129858 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 99 (4) ◽

pp. 659-665 ◽

Cited By ~ 187

Author(s):

Kate Shannon ◽

Steffanie A. Strathdee ◽

Jean Shoveller ◽

Melanie Rusch ◽

Thomas Kerr ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Condom Use ◽

Sex Workers ◽

Female Sex Workers ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

Environmental Barriers ◽

Female Sex ◽

Hiv Prevention Strategies

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Perspectives of Brothel Leaders and HIV Prevention Experts on the Role of Gatekeepers on Improving Condom Use by Female Sex Workers in Abuja, Nigeria

Global Journal of Health Science ◽

10.5539/gjhs.v9n10p183 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 183

Author(s):

Uchenna O. Okafor ◽

Rik Crutzen ◽

Egbe A. Awo ◽

Bart Van Den Borne

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Condom Use ◽

Sex Work ◽

Sex Workers ◽

Female Sex Workers ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Sociocultural Factors ◽

Access To Health Services ◽

Female Sex ◽

Hiv Prevention Strategies

A qualitative study using in-depth interviews explored the perceptions and views of brothel leaders and HIV program experts on the acceptability and adoptability of using gatekeepers in interventions aimed at improving Female Sex Workers’ (FSWs) condom use in Nigeria. Brothel leaders are an influential group within the FSWs’ social and physical environment and their attitudes, beliefs and actions can influence the immediate brothel environment and the adoption of interventions within the brothel. HIV prevention experts make key decisions on the content and strategies adopted for HIV prevention efforts and also influence the design and implementation of HIV prevention strategies within programs. Four themes illustrating the benefits and barriers of the inclusion of gatekeepers within the immediate environment of the FSW were identified. Results show that brothel leadership inclusion in HIV prevention efforts could exert potential positive influence on the immediate brothel environment. Brothel leaders can support the institution of establishment policies supporting consistent condom use by the FSWs, promotion of HIV awareness, resolution of conflicts and harassments, support to new entrants into sex work and the reinforcement of protective behaviors among the FSWs. The decriminalization of sex work and the inclusion of gatekeepers support into country HIV program guidelines may contribute to mitigating prevalent sociocultural factors limiting FSWs’ rights as well as their access to health services. The present study provides insights into the potential positive roles of brothel leaders in improving condom use and other HIV/AIDs related interventions for brothel based FSWs in Abuja, Nigeria from the perspective of brothel leaders and HIV prevention experts.

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A thematic analysis of experiences of HIV risks among female sex workers in the Yunnan-Vietnam Chinese border region

BMC Women s Health ◽

10.1186/s12905-020-01143-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Amanda Wilson ◽

Yuan Yuan Wang ◽

Runsen Chen ◽

Ping Cen ◽

Yuehui Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hiv Prevention ◽

Hiv Infection ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Sex Workers ◽

Female Sex Workers ◽

Yunnan Province ◽

Border Region ◽

Tailored Interventions ◽

Female Sex ◽

Hiv Prevention Strategies

Abstract Background The Yunnan province is located near the “Golden Triangle” border region between China, Myanmar and Thailand, which has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in China. Female sex workers (FSWs) in the Yunnan province are highly vulnerable to HIV infection. The objective of this study was to examine the experiences of FSWs in the Yunnan to better understand the risk of infection and the potential for transmission of HIV. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted between May 2018 and June 2018 with 20 FSWs recruited in Hekou County, Yunnan Province, China. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes that highlighted increased exposure of FSWs to the risk of HIV infection and transmission. Results The findings showed that FSWs’ primary source for HIV information was gynecologists, with few visiting the local HIV charity Red Ribbon. FSWs reported infrequent visits for check-ups with some seeing a gynecologist once a year. FSWs felt that the onus was on them to prevent STI/HIV infection by using a condom during sex, regardless of their ability to negotiate use. FSWs were also reluctant to see a gynecologists for treatment. Instead, they resorted to douching as a way of preventing HIV/STIs and treating vaginal health problems, such as leucorrhea. Most FSWs worked without the influence of alcohol and drugs. A small number of FSWs reported heroin addiction and injecting drug use. Conclusion The findings suggest a need for innovative HIV prevention strategies among FSWs and their clients in the Chinese border region. Governmental agencies should continue to implement practical strategies in terms of HIV prevention education and condom use through tailored interventions that are localized. Such strategies should include localized tailored interventions that dispel myths about douching as a method of HIV/STI prevention and incorporate a mobile outreach approach, similar to the ‘roadside restaurant’ outreach that has been successful in rural China.

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