The first community-based sexually transmitted disease/HIV intervention trial for female sex workers in China.
OBJECTIVE
This study was the first community-based intervention to test feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention targeting sex workers in China.


METHODS
Prospective, community-based, pre/post-intervention trial.


METHODS
Thirty establishments in Chengjiang, 34 in Ruili and 23 in Longchuan were selected for the study. The study participants were female sex workers. Out-reach workers visited the establishments to conduct intervention activities over 6 weeks. The activities included lectures, discussion, video and audio cassettes, and distribution of educational folders and condoms. Pre- and post-intervention cross-sectional surveys assessed changes in sexually transmitted disease (STD)/AIDS knowledge and condom use.


RESULTS
After the intervention, knowledge of the three HIV transmission routes increased from 25 to 88% (P < 0.01), knowledge that condoms can reduce the risk of STD/HIV infection increased from 56 to 94% (P < 0.01). Condom use at last sex and in the last three sexual encounters increased from 61 to 85% (P < 0.01) and from 41 to 70%, respectively. Multivariate analyses indicated that the intervention was an independent factor (P < 0.01) for these changes.


CONCLUSIONS
The intervention programme was effective at increasing HIV/AIDS knowledge and condom use rates among sex workers in the community and should be expanded.
Wu
Zunyou
Z
National Centre for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
Rou
Keming
K
Jia
Manhong
M
Duan
Song
S
Sullivan
Sheena G
SG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001296:Audiovisual Aids; D002359:Cartoons as Topic / Q000523:psychology; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010174:Pamphlets; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data