Microbicide acceptability among female sex workers in Beijing, China: results from a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore attitudes toward hypothetical vaginal microbicides and willingness to use them among female sex workers (FSWs) in a district of Beijing, China, and to identify factors likely to affect acceptability and use of microbicides for HIV prevention among this population.


METHODS
An exploratory cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted. A total of 54 FSWs were recruited from Shijingshan District in Beijing for a face-to-face interview. Main outcome variables were measured by a microbicide acceptability score, perception of HIV/STI risk and self-reported high-risk sexual behaviors, condom use, HIV/STI history, and self-reported experience of vaginal product use.


RESULTS
Mean score of microbicide acceptability in FSWs was 2.73, with a standard deviation (SD) of 0.46 (ranging from 1 to 4). Acceptability score varied by partner types (p = 0.025), history of HIV testing (p = 0.037), and concern about contracting an STI (p = 0.042). Covert use of microbicides in FSWs with various sexual partners was statistically different (p = 0.001). FSWs preferred to pay for microbicides and to use them covertly.


CONCLUSIONS
In general, FSWs in Shijinghsan District might have a positive response to microbicides across all hypothetical characteristics. Further study is needed for comprehensive understanding of the contextual factors of microbicide use.
Han
Lin
L
Nursing School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China .
Lv
Fan
F
Xu
Peng
P
Zhang
Guolei
G
Juniper
Naomi S
NS
Wu
Zhenglai
Z
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002681:China; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D018570:Risk Assessment / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014505:Urban Population; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies