Perceived risk andcondomlesssex practice with commercial and non-commercial sexual partnersofmale migrantsex workersin London, UK.

Abstract

Background:Since the emergenceofHIV and theAIDSpandemic,the majority ofrisk-reductioninterventionshave beencentredon the use of condomsin sex workers. Methods:This qualitative studyrecruited25male migrantsex workersin Londontounderstandtheirriskperception andcondomlesssexexperienceswithin thecontext ofsexworkand privatelife.Thedata was collected using face-to-face interviews,analysed usingthematic analysis, and the findingsinterpretedthroughthe theory of planned behaviour. Results:Thethemesexplainthatcondomlesssexwith clientsoccurredwhenparticipantsconsciouslyacceptedto perform thisservicedeployinga riskassessment ofclients,faultystrategies,and sexual practicesto reduce theirrisk;orwhentheylostcontrolbecause ofrecreationaldrugs, feeling attractionto clients,were in precarious circumstances,orwerevictims ofviolence.Conversely,condomlesssex withnon-commercialpartnersoccurredaccording to thetype ofrelationship,withformal partnersitwasrationalised throughemotionalaspects attached tothis kind of relationship,whilewithcasual partnersitwasconnected tosexual arousal andtheuseofalcohol anddrugs. Conclusions:Reinforceeducational interventions todeliverSTI-HIVinformation,enhance the use of condoms,and toaddress specificcontextualfactorsthat facilitatecondomlesspracticewith commercial and non-commercial sexual partners.