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.
Stulhofer
Aleksandar
A
Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Zagreb University, Zagreb, Croatia. vbacak@ffzg.hr
Lausević
Dragan
D
Bozicević
Ivana
I
Baćak
Valerio
V
Mugoba
Boban
B
Terzić
Natasa
N
Drglin
Tihana
T
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