Abstract
BackgroundHIV infection related to commercial sexual contact is a serious public health issue in China. The objectives of the present study are to explore the predictors of condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) in China and examine the relationship between Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs.Methodology/Principal FindingsA cross-sectional study was conducted in two cities (Wuhan and Suizhou) in Hubei Province, China, between July 2009 and June 2010. A total of 427 FSWs were recruited through mediators from the ‘low-tier’ entertainment establishments. Data were obtained by self-administered questionnaires. Structural equation models were constructed to examine the association. We collected 363 valid questionnaires. Within the context of HBM, perceived severity of HIV mediated through perceived benefits of condom use had a weak effect on condom use (r = 0.07). Perceived benefits and perceived barriers were proximate determinants of condom use (r = 0.23 and r = −0.62, respectively). Self-efficacy had a direct effect on perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers, which was indirectly associated with condom use behaviors (r = 0.36).Conclusions/SignificanceThe HBM provides a useful framework for investigating predictors of condom use behaviors among FSWs. Future HIV prevention interventions should focus on increasing perceived benefits of condom use, reducing barriers to condoms use, and improving self-efficacy among FSWs.
Highlights
By the end of 2009, there had been 560,000–920,000 persons are infected with HIV in China, and the cumulative number of deaths due to HIV had reached 200,000–240,000 [1]
Intravenous drug use and commercial blood/plasma collection used to be the main causes of the HIV infection in China, heterosexual transmission of HIV become increasingly important in recent years
Female sex workers (FSWs) and HIV in China One of the factors that drive the rapid spread of HIV in Asia is the infection transmitted between sex workers and their clients, which is spread to the general population [4]
Summary
By the end of 2009, there had been 560,000–920,000 persons are infected with HIV in China, and the cumulative number of deaths due to HIV had reached 200,000–240,000 [1]. Intravenous drug use and commercial blood/plasma collection used to be the main causes of the HIV infection in China, heterosexual transmission of HIV become increasingly important in recent years. It is difficult to have a precise estimate of the number of female sex workers (FSWs) in China [5]. HIV infection related to commercial sexual contact is a serious public health issue in China. The objectives of the present study are to explore the predictors of condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) in China and examine the relationship between Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs
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