Condom use among female sex workers in China: role of gatekeepers.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to assess the potential role of gatekeepers of establishments in promoting condom use among female sex workers (FSWs) in China.


OBJECTIVE
The goals of this study were to explore FSWs' perceptions of gatekeeper attitudes and support for condom use, and to assess their association with FSWs' practice, communication, intention, proper use, knowledge of correct use, and perceptions related to condom use.


METHODS
The authors conducted a cross-sectional study among 454 establishment-based FSWs in one Chinese county.


RESULTS
Perceived gatekeeper support for condom use was low among FSWs. Perceived support was positively associated with condom use communication with sexual partners, condom use frequency and intention, but not associated with proper condom use among FSWs. Perceived support was significantly associated with most condom use-related perceptions (e.g., self-efficacy of condom use, barriers to condom use, and perceived peer condom use) among FSWs.


CONCLUSIONS
Healthcare professionals should work with gatekeepers to create a supportive local environment for condom use in sex work establishments. Gatekeepers need to clearly articulate their support for condom use to the FSWs. Training and skill acquisition regarding correct use of condoms among FSWs will be necessary.
Yang
Hongmei
H
Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics Prevention Research Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA. hoyan@med.wayne.edu
Li
Xiaoming
X
Stanton
Bonita
B
Fang
Xiaoyi
X
Zhao
Ran
R
Dong
Baiqing
B
Liu
Wei
W
Liang
Shaoling
S
Zhou
Yuejiao
Y
Hong
Yan
Y
D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016134:Organizational Policy; D021841:Safe Sex; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires