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Published in:

01-01-2012 | Original Paper

HIV Testing Behaviors Among Female Sex Workers in Southwest China

Authors: Yan Hong, Chen Zhang, Xiaoming Li, Xiaoyi Fang, Xiuyun Lin, Yuejiao Zhou, Wei Liu

Published in: AIDS and Behavior | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Despite the recognized importance of HIV testing in prevention, care and treatment, HIV testing remains low in China. Millions of female sex workers (FSW) play a critical role in China’s escalating HIV epidemic. Limited data are available regarding HIV testing behavior among this at-risk population. This study, based on a cross-sectional survey of 1,022 FSW recruited from communities in Southwest China, attempted to address the literature gap. Our data revealed that 48% of FSW ever took HIV testing; older age, less education, working in higher-income commercial sex venues and better HIV knowledge were associated with HIV testing. Those who never took HIV testing were more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors including inconsistent condom use with clients and stable partners. A number of psychological and structural barriers to testing were also reported. We call for culturally appropriate interventions to reduce HIV risks and promote HIV testing for vulnerable FSW in China.

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Title: HIV Testing Behaviors Among Female Sex Workers in Southwest China
Authors: Yan Hong
Chen Zhang
Xiaoming Li
Xiaoyi Fang
Xiuyun Lin
Yuejiao Zhou
Wei Liu
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: AIDS and Behavior / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1090-7165
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3254
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-011-9960-8

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