P195 Sexualized drug use among female sex workers from eight cities in China

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> There is rich literature on sexualized drug use (i.e. drug use before or during sex) for men who have sex with men but less data from female sex workers (FSW) particularly from low- and middle-income countries. We describe the sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing behaviors among FSW reporting sexualized drug use, compared with FSW who do not report sexualized drug use. <h3>Methods</h3> This cross-sectional study was conducted in eight cities in China in 2019. We recruited FSW through community organizations working with sex workers. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the factors associated with FSW reporting sexualized drug use. We adjusted for current injecting drug use, age, marital status, migration status, income and education in each of the models. <h3>Results</h3> In total, 1287 women participated: average age was 35·1 years (SD 10·3), about half reported a monthly income over 5000 RMB ($USD 707, 52·4%), and a minority completed high school or above (17·4%). Among participants, 284 (22·1%, 95% CI:19·8–24·4) reported a history of sexualized drug use. Compared to FSW who never reported a history of sexualized drug use or IDU, FSW who reported a history of sexualized drug use had greater odds of: having a manager (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2·10, 95% CI:1·47–2·99), reporting inconsistent condom use for vaginal sex (AOR 2·67, 95% CI:1·93–3·69), inconsistent condom use for oral sex (AOR 2·33, 95% CI:1·25–4·37), ever had an unintended pregnancy (AOR 1·43, 95% CI:1·04–1·96), and ever diagnosed with STIs (AOR 5·39, 95% CI:3·92–7·40). <h3>Conclusion</h3> We recommend routinely asking FSW about sexualized drug use as nearly one in five FSW reported a history of sexualized drug use and these women had an elevated risk profile compared with those who reported no sexualized drug use.