NCJ Number
216264
Journal
Substance Use & Misuse: An International Interdisciplinary Forum Volume: 41 Issue: 10-12 Dated: 2006 Pages: 1509-1533
Date Published
2006
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between the use of alcohol during commercial sex episodes by female commercial sex workers (FCSWs) and their customers and the risk of HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in the Philippines.
Abstract
The findings revealed more sexual risk behaviors for FCSWs if alcohol was used by either the FCSW or the customer before commercial sex. Specifically, 42 percent of FCSWs who had sex with an intoxicated customer were STI positive compared with 28 percent of FCSWs who were STI positive but did not have sex with an intoxicated customer. Furthermore, 33 percent of FCSWs who consumed alcohol prior to commercial sex were STI positive compared with 29 percent of FCSWs who were STI positive but did not consume alcohol prior to commercial sex. The findings suggest that sexual risk reduction programming in the Philippines needs to move beyond the traditional target of educating FCSWs to include a greater swath of the population, particularly the likely customers of FCSWs. Participants were 1,114 FCSWs aged 15 to 54 years from 4 southern provinces of the Philippines who were recruited from entertainment-related establishments. Participants completed interviews that focused on their demographic information, alcohol consumption patterns, drug use, condom use, and perceived HIV/AIDS risk and practices. Data analysis involved bivariate analyses with chi-square tests and F tests. Future research with sex worker populations should focus on the specific knowledge gaps regarding sexually risky behaviors, sexually transmitted disease testing patterns, and HIV incidence. Tables, figure, glossary, references