Patterns of sexual behaviour of male patients before testing HIV-positive in a Cambodian hospital, Phnom Penh.
BACKGROUND
Sexual behaviours among HIV-positive male patients in Cambodia have not been fully evaluated.


OBJECTIVE
The patterns of sexual behaviours and social factors were compared between married and single men.


METHODS
A retrospective cross-sectional survey of 174 male HIV patients was undertaken during March 1999-June 2000 in Phnom Penh.


RESULTS
Many participants (61%) reported that they were unaware that their sexual behaviours may have put them at risk of HIV infection. Sexual behaviours included having sex with a sex worker (90%), multiple sexual partners (41%), and both of these behaviours (37%). Two-thirds (69%) reported using a condom when having sex with a sex worker. Condom use with multiple sexual partners was low (24%). A history of condom use with a sex worker was less likely to be reported among married men than single men (P = 0.008). Always using condoms with a sex worker did not differ between married men and single men. Social factors that influenced visiting a sex worker included invitation by a friend (88%), alcohol consumption (74%), and having extra spending money (72%). Multivariate analysis suggests that alcohol consumption (P = 0.008) and having extra spending money (P = 0.02) were strongly associated with visiting a sex worker.


CONCLUSIONS
In Cambodia, HIV-infected men frequently reported a history of using sex workers. Having multiple sex partners or using a sex worker and multiple sexual partners were not rare. Interventions should target men in settings where alcohol is consumed and to encourage married men to use condoms.
Sok
Phan
P
Sihanouk Hospital Center of HOPE , Khan 7 Makara, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. phan.sok@gmail.com
Harwell
Joseph I
JI
Dansereau
Lynne
L
McGarvey
Stephen
S
Lurie
Mark
M
Mayer
Kenneth H
KH
D000328:Adult; D002160:Cambodia / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*