HIV risks among female sex workers in Croatia and Montenegro.
The study analyzed the prevalence and determinants of HIV-risks among female sex workers (FSWs) in Croatia and Montenegro. Face-to-face interviews were carried out in Zagreb, Split, and Podgorica during the 2006-2008 period. Croatian participants (n = 154) reported fewer clients, more consistent condom use, higher rates of HIV testing, and greater HIV knowledge. The participants interviewed in Montenegro (n = 119) were more likely to have injected drugs and to have experienced sexual abuse in the previous year. Although Montenegrin FSWs were more exposed to HIV-risks than Croatian FSWs, they reported lower HIV-risk self-assessment. Consistent condom use was significantly associated with education and HIV-risk self-assessment in the Croatian and the experience of physical/sexual abuse in the Montenegrin sample. In spite of a number of methodological limitations, the empirical insights provided by this study may assist in improving the existing HIVV prevention initiatives.
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zagreb University, Zagreb, Croatia. vbacak@ffzg.hr
Aleksandar
A
Stulhofer
Dragan
D
Lausević
Ivana
I
Bozicević
Valerio
V
Baćak
Boban
B
Mugoba
Natasa
N
Terzić
Tihana
T
Drglin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms; D017523:Croatia; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D054548:Montenegro; D012309:Risk-Taking; D011477:Sex Work