The role of a regular sex partner in sexually transmitted infections and reinfections: results from the study of female entertainment establishment workers in the Philippines.
OBJECTIVE
The main objective of this study is to understand the association between living with a regular sex partner, risk-taking behaviors, and one's history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).


METHODS
Data on sexual behavior and STI histories were obtained from 876 Filipina entertainment establishment workers (FEEWs) through a large-scale participatory research survey.


RESULTS
About one-third of FEEWs live with a regular sex partner. Single FEEWs are significantly more likely than partnered FEEWs to engage in commercial sex. Being single, engaging in commercial sex, and using condoms inconsistently, in turn, are significantly associated with a positive STI history.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that living with a regular sex partner is an independent and protective factor against having an initial STI and subsequent reinfection. Programmatic strategies aimed at reducing STIs among entertainment establishment workers through promoting safer sex behaviors could potentially benefit by including a component that addresses sexual networks.
Chiao
Chi
C
Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. chichiao@mail.ncku.edu.tw
Morisky
Donald E
DE
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010679:Philippines / Q000453:epidemiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
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