Factors affecting HIV infection among female sex workers in Vinh Long province, Vietnam 2009

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to determine the impacts of risk factors on HIV infection among 400 female sex workers (FSWs) aged 16-57 years in Vinh Long, Viet Nam. It uses secondary data from the cross-sectional study about knowledge, attitude, beliefs, and practices on HIV/AIDS. The analysis results revealed that perception of risk, anticipated income, and injecting drugs were significantly associated with HIV infection. FSWs who injected drugs were more likely to be infected with HIV than their counterparts. FSWs who perceived themselves as having a high risk of HIV infection were more likely to be infected with HIV than those who perceived themselves as having a low risk or even no risk of HIV infection. In addition, low anticipated income FSWs were more likely to be infected with HIV than their counterparts. The findings led to some important suggestions such as: setting up a Drop-in Center for FSWs so that they could share experiences and difficulties in their lives. This could possibly lead to self-empowered alternatives. Furthermore, strengthening peer educators' channels to provide HIV/AIDS information, knowledge, life skills, condoms, needles and syringes directly to FSWs is also a necessity.