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Eileen A. Yam, Kara Richmond, Freddy
Tinajeros, Rita Revollo, and
Sandra G.
García. "Sexual and health practices of Bolivian female
sex workers: A survey in six cities."
ABSTRACT
Background
Current data are scarce regarding the sexual and health behaviors of
Bolivian female sex workers (FSWs). We sought to document the sexual
and health practices of FSWs in six Bolivian cities.
Methods
Female study staff conducted interviewer-administered face-to-face
surveys of FSWs aged 18 and over in public clinics in Cochabamba, El
Alto, La Paz, Oruro, Santa Cruz, and Sucre.
Results
Some 1,252 women agreed to participate. Nearly half (47.4%) had been
previously diagnosed with an STI. The vast majority reported that in
the past month they always used condoms with both established
clients (87.1%) and new clients (89.6%). However, of the 813 (64.9%)
who had regular partners, just 8.9 percent always used condoms with them.
More than 96 percent stated they had vaginal sex with established and
unknown clients as well as with partners. More than 99 percent reported
they never had dry sex with any type of client or partner, and more
than 85 percent stated they never had anal sex with any clients or
partners. More than half reported that they never had oral sex with
established clients, unknown clients, or with partners. Of the 619
(49.4%) who reported using vaginal douches, 35.4% percent did so daily.
Conclusions
Bolivian FSWs use condoms regularly with clients, but are much less
diligent about condom use with regular partners. Vaginal douching is
a common practice that should be discouraged by future educational
efforts.
Learning objectives
- Understand the sexual and health behaviors of Bolivian
female sex workers.
Oral Session 5072.0—Issues in HIV and AIDS: International
Wednesday, 7 November 2007,
8:30–10:00
am
APHA 2007 Conference Web site
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