title: Correlates of HIV risk and preventive behaviors in Armenian female sex workers.
abstract: This study describes HIV risk and preventive behaviors and their correlates among Armenian female commercial sex workers (CSWs) as a prerequisite to developing gender and culturally appropriate interventions. Ninety-eight CSWs from three Armenian cities were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative findings were further elaborated by focus group discussions (N = 25) and key informant interviews (N = 8). Inconsistent condom use with all types of sexual partners was reported, as were condom tear/slippage, alcohol and drug use, and sex with drug injecting clients. Prominent misconceptions regarding HIV transmission, prevention and disease manifestations were noted. Correlates of condom use intentions included history of substance use, attitudes regarding condom use, risk perception, and comfort negotiating condom use. Intentions to use condoms were strongly associated with recent frequency of condom use. Understanding the relationship between condom use and its determinants is critical in the design and implementation of effective prevention programs tailored for Armenian CSWs.
authors.affiliation: Health Education Association NGO, Yerevan, Armenia.
authors.forename: Karine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Markosyan
authors.forename: Talin
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Babikian
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: DiClemente
authors.forename: Jennifer S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Hirsch
authors.forename: Samvel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grigoryan
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: del Rio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001136:Armenia; D017280:Condoms; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires