Trafficking, Client and Police Violence, Sexual Risk and Mental Health Among Women in the Sex Industry at the Thai-Myanmar Border

This study describes sex trafficking and associations with violence and health among female migrants in the sex industry in Mae Sot, Thailand. The mixed-methods study included a qualitative interview phase ( n = 10), followed by a cross-sectional survey phase ( n = 128). Entry via trafficking (force, fraud, or coercion [FFC], or as minors) was prevalent (76.6%), primarily FFC (73.4%). FFC was associated with inconsistent condom use, inability to refuse clients, poor health, and anxiety. Past-year violence was normative including client sexual violence (66.4%), client coercion for condom nonuse (> 95%), and police extortion (56%). Working conditions enabled violence irrespective of mode of entry. Profound unmet needs exist for safety and access to justice irrespective of trafficking history.

Intimate Relationships and HIV Infection Risks Among Shan Female Sex Workers From Myanmar in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Qualitative Study

This study aimed to investigate HIV risks among female sex workers (FSWs) who were from the Shan ethnic group, and how they relate to complex relationships with inconsistent condom use. The study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 17 Shan FSWs (aged 18–45 years old) in Chiang Mai. Intimate relationships between participants and regular clients/steady partners were found to facilitate inconsistent condom use. Participating Shan FSWs sustained intimacy with regular clients not only for economic ends but also for emotional support. Gender norms and male power dominated condom use decision making. Some participants lacked proper HIV preventive knowledge regarding condom breakage and HIV risks. Effective intervention and proper HIV preventive practices should address these intimate contexts. Capacity building among women would assist FSWs to make choices that protect them from HIV/STDs infections. Couples-based HIV interventions addressing emotional intimacy is an urgent need for HIV communication and service delivery in Thailand.

The role of local business employees and community members in the HIV risk environment of female sex workers in an urban setting: associations between negative interactions and inconsistent condom use

Background The role of business employees and community members in the HIV risk environment of female sex workers (FSW) is underexplored, despite sex work often located in commercial and residential urban areas. We explored the effect of negative interactions between business employees and community members on inconsistent condom use with clients of female sex workers. Methods This study uses baseline data from the EMERALD study, a community empowerment intervention with FSW. We recruited a sample of 361 FSW in Baltimore, Maryland using targeted sampling techniques in ten zones characterized by high rates of sex work, located throughout the city. Participants were recruited between September 2017 and January 2019 and completed a survey, HIV rapid testing, and self-administered gonorrhea and chlamydia testing. The outcome, inconsistent condom use, was defined as not reporting “always” using condoms with paying clients. Poisson regressions with robust variance were used to model the effect of business employee and/or community member interactions on inconsistent condom use. Results Over half (54%) the sample was between 18 and 40 years old, 44% Black or another race, and experienced a range of structural vulnerabilities such as housing instability and food insecurity. Forty-four percent of the sample reported inconsistent condom use with clients. FSW reported being reported to the police weekly or daily for selling drugs (14% by employees, 17% by community), for selling sex (19% by employees, 21% by community), and experiencing weekly or daily verbal or physical threats (18% by employees, 24% by community). In multivariable models, being reported to the police for selling sex weekly or daily by community members (vs. never, aRR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.86) and business owners (vs. never, aRR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.76) increased risk of inconsistent condom use, as did monthly verbal or physical threats by community members (vs. never, aRR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.91). Conclusions Results show that both actors play important roles in FSWs’ HIV risk environment. Businesses and community members are important targets for holistic HIV prevention interventions among FSW in communities where they coexist in close proximity.

A survey of condom use among female sex workers in Northern Sydney; declining condom use for fellatio

Condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) is dynamic. We conducted a survey, by anonymous questionnaire, of condom use among FSWs routinely attending our clinical service in Northern Sydney. Logistic regression models determined associations with inconsistent condom use. All 201 women approached completed a questionnaire. Chinese-born women comprised 67% of participants. The median age was 35 years. Clients requesting unprotected fellatio was reported by 95% of participants, and approximately two-thirds felt pressure to have unprotected fellatio and vaginal sex (VSI). Inconsistent condom use at work was reported by 74% for fellatio and by 24% for VSI. The strongest adjusted association with inconsistent condom use for fellatio was monetary inducement by clients (aOR = 40.7, 95% CI 4.87–340, p = 0.001). The only other significant adjusted association was age ≥ 30 years ( p = 0.02). The strongest adjusted association with inconsistent condom use for VSI was also monetary inducement by clients (aOR = 56.1, 95% CI 9.26–340, p < 0.001). Other significant adjusted associations were Chinese-speaking participants ( p = 0.03) and clients requesting unprotected VSI ( p = 0.02). We report high levels of inconsistent condom use. Health promotion should assist FSWs, particularly those of Chinese ethnicity, develop skills in dealing with pressure for unprotected sex, particularly fellatio.

Moderating effect of self-efficacy on the association of intimate partner violence with risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in China

Background In China, men who have sex with men (MSM) face a high risk of HIV infection. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common in this population and leads to various adverse consequences, including risky sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and poor mental health, which pose huge challenges to HIV prevention and control. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the lifetime prevalence of IPV and prevalence of risky sexual behaviors during the previous 6 months in a convenience sample of 578 MSM from 15 cities covering seven geographical divisions in mainland China. The associations between IPV and risky sexual behaviors and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on these associations were explored through univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results The prevalence rates of IPV perpetration and victimization were 32.5% and 32.7%, respectively. The proportions of participants who reported inconsistent condom use with regular or casual partners and multiple regular or casual sexual partners were 25.8%, 8.3%, 22.2%, and 37.4%, respectively. Multiple IPV experiences were positively associated with risky sexual behaviors; for example, any IPV victimization was positively associated with multiple regular partners, adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.54, 95% CI [1.02,2.32], and multiple casual partners, ORa = 1.93, 95% CI [1.33, 2.80]. Any IPV perpetration was positively associated with inconsistent condom use with regular partners, ORa = 1.58, 95% CI [1.04, 2.40], and multiple casual partners, ORa = 2.11, 95% CI [1.45, 3.06]. Self-efficacy was identified as a significant moderator of the association between multiple casual sexual partnership and emotional IPV. Conclusions In conclusion, given the high prevalence of both IPV and risky sexual behaviors among Chinese MSM in this study, the inclusion of self-efficacy in interventions targeting IPV and risky sexual behaviors should be considered.

Stigma, Social Support, and Sexual Behavior Among Female Sex Workers at Risk for HIV in Malawi

Lack of social support and sex work stigma may hinder STI/HIV prevention for female sex workers (FSW). We explored the associations between sex work stigma and social support with sexual behaviors in Malawi. In 2017, 150 HIV-negative, venue-based FSW completed a behavioral survey containing sex work stigma items and social support. Linear binomial regression models were used to estimate prevalence differences of inconsistent condom use and substance use before sex by social support and stigma. A majority (93%) reported sex work–related internalized stigma. About 50% reported family or friend isolation. Social support was high (mean index: 86.53). Inconsistent condom use and substance use before sex had little to no association with stigma and social support. Malawian FSW largely internalize stigma and experience isolation from family and friends yet have high levels of social support. Large-scale evaluations should investigate the role of stigma and social support in STI/HIV prevention for FSW.

Prevalence of STIs, sexual practices and substance use among 2083 sexually active unmarried women in Lebanon

Access to sexual and reproductive health in conservative communities and in the MENA region are particularly limited and, as such, increase women’s vulnerability to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The aim was to assess the prevalence of STIs, sexual practices, recreational drug-use and their possible associations among cisgender unmarried women residing in Lebanon. Data on demographics, sexual practices and substance-use were collected from 2083 unmarried cisgender women who voluntarily attended a sexual health clinic in Lebanon between 2015 and 2019. They tested for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis through rapid testing. Other infections (genital warts, Neisseria gonorrhea/Chlamydia trachomatis) were screened for. Regression models were computed between variables. There were two cases of HIV, one of Hepatitis B and syphilis, and no cases of Hepatitis C. Genital warts were present in 15% and symptoms indicative of Neisseria gonorrhea/Chlamydia trachomatis in 14%. Inconsistent condom-use (81%) was significantly associated with number of partners (adj. OR: 0.4). Inconsistent condom-use discussion with partners (33%) was significantly associated with unemployment (adj OR: 1.7), recreational drug-use (adj. OR: 1.4), and number of partners (adj. ORs 3.7–4.4). Unwanted pregnancies (11%) were significantly associated with age (adj. ORs 0.1–0.37), recreational drug-use (adj. OR: 2), using intrauterine device (adj. OR:2.9) and natural birth control methods (adj. OR: 2.4). Recreational drug-use (33%) was significantly associated with age (adj ORs 1.9–2.2), and smoking status (adj. OR: 0.6). The results indicate an urgent need for: (1) Accessible, non-stigmatizing, and inclusive sexual health services dedicated to women’s sexual health; (2) Comprehensive and non-stigmatizing sexual health education for all, but especially women, in order to promote safer sexual practices and effective decision making with regards to contraception and condom-use.

“I enjoy sex more without condoms": revisiting barriers and facilitators of consistent condom use among adolescents and young adults in South Africa

Background Previous studies have examined consistent condom use correlates in South Africa, focusing on sociodemographic factors, HIV risk perceptions, relationship conflict, multiple sexual partners, and masculinity. However, the effect of family financial support, HIV testing, partner communication and self-efficacy for HIV prevention is less studied. We drew from a cross-sectional survey to address this gap and highlight the key barriers and facilitators of consistent condom use among young people. Methods We analysed data obtained from 631 unmarried sexually active male and females students selected using stratified sampling from a university in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Consistent condom use was defined as regular use of condoms in all sexual encounters in the past year. We used an open-ended question to probe the reasons for inconsistent condom use. Adjusted and unadjusted regression analysis were fitted to examine factors associated with consistent condom use. Results The prevalence of consistent condom use was 39.3% (CI: 35.5%-43.2%), with no significant gender and age differences. After adjusting for relevant covariates, living with foster parents (AOR; 1.80 95% CI; 1.09-2.97), adequate family financial support (AOR; 2.49 95% CI; 1.71-3.62), partner knew status (AOR; 1.91 95% CI; 1.09-3.37) and feeling confident in one's ability to prevent HIV (AOR; 1.77 95% CI; 1.09-2.86) were associated with increased odds of consistent condom use. However, self-report of low condom self-efficacy (AOR; 0.58 95% CI; 0.40-0.85) and alcohol use (AOR; 0.83 95% CI; 0.58-1.19) were associated with lower odds of consistent condom use. Young people who inconsistently used condoms reiterated that sex is often unplanned and condoms are not always available. The desire for maximum pleasure, partner's objection, trust, and use of hormonal contraceptives were further reasons others inconsistently use condoms. Conclusions Inconsistent condom use remains a challenge among unmarried sexually active young people in South Africa. Education of young people on the need for partner communication about HIV, HIV testing uptake, and condom use should happen more rigorously in school and through the media to improve their consistent use of condoms.

“I enjoy sex more without condoms": revisiting barriers and facilitators of consistent condom use among adolescents and young adults in South Africa

Background Previous studies have examined consistent condom use correlates in South Africa, focusing on sociodemographic factors, HIV risk perceptions, relationship conflict, multiple sexual partners, and masculinity. However, the effect of family financial support, HIV testing, partner communication and self-efficacy for HIV prevention is less studied. We drew from a cross-sectional survey to address this gap and highlight the key barriers and facilitators of consistent condom use among young people. Methods We analysed data obtained from 631 unmarried sexually active male and females students selected using stratified sampling from a university in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Consistent condom use was defined as regular use of condoms in all sexual encounters in the past year. We used an open-ended question to probe the reasons for inconsistent condom use. Adjusted and unadjusted regression analysis were fitted to examine factors associated with consistent condom use. Results The prevalence of consistent condom use was 39.3% (CI: 35.5%-43.2%), with no significant gender and age differences. After adjusting for relevant covariates, living with foster parents (AOR; 1.80 95% CI; 1.09-2.97), adequate family financial support (AOR; 2.49 95% CI; 1.71-3.62), partner knew status (AOR; 1.91 95% CI; 1.09-3.37) and feeling confident in one's ability to prevent HIV (AOR; 1.77 95% CI; 1.09-2.86) were associated with increased odds of consistent condom use. However, self-report of low condom self-efficacy (AOR; 0.58 95% CI; 0.40-0.85) and alcohol use (AOR; 0.83 95% CI; 0.58-1.19) were associated with lower odds of consistent condom use. Young people who inconsistently used condoms reiterated that sex is often unplanned and condoms are not always available. The desire for maximum pleasure, partner's objection, trust, and use of hormonal contraceptives were further reasons others inconsistently use condoms.Conclusions Inconsistent condom use remains a challenge among unmarried sexually active young people in South Africa. Education of young people on the need for partner communication about HIV, HIV testing uptake, and condom use should happen more rigorously in school and through the media to improve their consistent use of condoms.