Knowledge, awareness, and attitudes of female sex workers toward HPV infection, cervical cancer, and cervical smears in Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness of female sex workers (FSWs) regarding cervical cancer and its prevention in Thailand.


METHODS
From August through November 2008, 402 consecutive FSWs were recruited for interviews.


RESULTS
The mean knowledge score was 4.9 (maximum possible, 15; range, 0-14). Approximately 60% of the FSWs had knowledge scores less than 5. Low education and a lack of health insurance were significant independent predictors of low knowledge scores (adjusted odds ratios, 3.17 and 1.97, respectively). More than half of the FSWs were unaware of being at higher risk for HPV infection or of the possible consequences of HPV infection. The negative attitude regarding cervical screening was caused by the fear of abnormal results (27.9%), experiencing pain (18.4%), and embarrassment (14.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
The knowledge and awareness of HPV infection, cervical cancer, and utility of cervical smears is low among FSWs in Thailand. Designing and implementing effective interventions is crucial and merits attention in future research.
Kietpeerakool
Chumnan
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. kiet_ji@hotmail.com
Phianmongkhol
Yupin
Y
Jitvatcharanun
Kriangsak
K
Siriratwatakul
Usanee
U
Srisomboon
Jatupol
J
D000328:Adult; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D021841:Safe Sex / Q000523:psychology; D011477:Sex Work; D013785:Thailand; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000523:psychology; D055815:Young Adult