Behavioral surveillance surveys of the male clients of female sex workers in Hong Kong: results of three population-based surveys.
BACKGROUND
Male clients of female sex workers (FSWs) are an important group vulnerable to HIV infection.


OBJECTIVE
The goal was to administer and assess behavioral surveillance surveys of male clients of FSWs in Hong Kong.


METHODS
Three population-based telephone surveys of males aged 18 to 60 were conducted from 1998 to 2001 (n=5159).


RESULTS
Of all respondents, about 10.8% to 14% had patronized FSWs in the previous 6 months. Among male clients of FSWs, about 25% did not always use condoms, 4% to 6% had contracted a sexually transmitted disease, 16% had undergone HIV antibody testing, and 20% or more reported having four or more sex partners in the previous 6 months. There was no improvement in condom use over time. Cross-border (from Hong Kong to mainland China) commercial sex was common.


CONCLUSIONS
The level of risk behaviors associated with male clients of FSWs remained substantial. The overall effectiveness and coverage of relevant prevention programs were questioned.
Lau
Joseph T F
JT
Centre for Clinical Trials and Epidemiological Research, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT. jlau@cuhk.edu.hk
Tsui
H Y
HY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006723:Hong Kong / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011159:Population Surveillance / Q000379:methods*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D015483:HIV Antibodies