title: Microbicide acceptability among female sex workers in Beijing, China: results from a pilot study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Nursing School, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China .
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Han
authors.forename: Fan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lv
authors.forename: Peng
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Guolei
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Naomi S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Juniper
authors.forename: Zhenglai
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies