Factors associated with HIV preventive behaviors among female sex workers in Bago township, Bago division, Myanmar

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey research aimed to study the factors associated with the HIV preventive behaviors among the female sex workers in Bago Township, Bago Division, Myanmar. The PRECEDE-PROCEED Model was applied to identify the factors associated with the HIV preventive behaviors. A Structured questionnaire, interviews were conducted with 179 female sex workers in Bago Township. The study participants were selected by the snowball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics were computed and binary and multiple logistic regressions were also conducted to examine the effect the selected independent variables on HIV preventive behaviors. The result shows that 93.3% of the participants use condoms correctly and consistently with clients and regular partners. 77.7% of the participants can negotiate successfully with clients and regular partners for condom use. 89.4% of the participants do routine HIV counseling and testing. More than half which is 57% of the participants are willing to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medications. Bivariate logistic regression showed that factors associated with HIV preventive behavior were high income [OR= 3.523 (95% CI 1.43-8.677)], living alone [OR=2.44 (95% CI 1.218-4.877)], substance abuse [OR= 3.815 (95% CI 2.046-7.113)], good peer support [OR= 3.712 (95% CI 1.998-6.899)], good social support [OR=0.121 (95%CI 0.054-0.268)], high availability [OR= 9.31 (95% CI 1.166-74.359)], high accessibility [OR= 2.91 (95% CI 1.184- 7.15)], and receive peer education program and get health information from friends [OR= 0.478 (95% CI 0.257-0.89)]. Finally, the multiple logistic regression showed that factors associated with HIV preventive behavior was availability of HIV prevention and services [AOR= 9.545 (95% CI= 1.996-91.481)]. IMPLICATION OF THE THEMATIC PAPER The study suggests that, in order to improve the HIV preventive behavior among the female sex workers in Bago Township, the government should create more job opportunities for women of reproductive age to get better income. Capacity building of the peer volunteers should also be considered. The government and the NGO sectors should promote the accessibility of HIV preventive information through the internet. Peer education programs should be carried out more frequently.