Sexually transmitted diseases and condom use among female freelance and brothel-based sex workers in Singapore.
OBJECTIVE
Most studies in Asia exclude freelance female sex workers because of difficulties in access and the illegality of their work. Data are lacking on their risk behaviors.


OBJECTIVE
To compare sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates, condom use, and health screening behavior between freelance and brothel-based sex workers in Singapore.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional survey of 111 free-lance sex workers arrested from November 1996 to March 1997 for illicit prostitution and 333 randomly selected brothel-based sex workers. All were tested for STDs.


RESULTS
STDs were significantly more prevalent among freelance than brothel-based sex workers (34.8% vs. 24.0%). Inconsistent condom use was significantly higher among freelance than brothel-based sex workers and was significantly associated with younger age, decreasing number of clients, and perception of non-condom use among peers.


CONCLUSIONS
Educational programs to promote condom use should target freelance sex workers and their clients.
Wong
M L
ML
Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore. cofwml@leonis.nus.edu.sg
Chan
R K
RK
Chua
W L
WL
Wee
S
S
D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012846:Singapore