title: Age group differences in HIV risk and mental health problems among female sex workers in Southwest China.
abstract: HIV risk and mental health problems are prevalent among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. The purpose of this research was to study age group differences in HIV risk and mental health problems in this population. In the current study, we divided a sample of 1022 FSWs into three age groups (≤ 20 years, 21-34 years, and ≥ 35 years). Results showed that among the three groups (1) older FSWs (≥ 35 years) were likely to be socioeconomically disadvantaged (e.g., rural residency, little education, employment in low-paying venues, and low monthly income); (2) older FSWs reported the highest rates of inconsistent, ineffective condom use, and sexually transmitted diseases history; (3) younger FSWs (≤ 20 years) reported the highest level of depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, regular-partner violence, and substance use; (4) all health-related risks except casual-partner violence were more prevalent among older and younger FSWs than among FSWs aged 21-34 years; and (5) age had a significant effect on all health indicators except suicide attempts after controlling for several key demographic factors. These findings indicate the need for intervention efforts to address varying needs among FSWs in different age groups. Specific interventional efforts are needed to reduce older FSWs' exposure to HIV risk; meanwhile, more attention should be given to improve FSWs' mental health status, especially among younger FSWs.
authors.affiliation: a Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatric Prevention Research Center , Wayne State University School of Medicine , Detroit , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Shaobing
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Xiaoming
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Liying
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Danhua
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Yuejiao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008603:Mental Health; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D060386:Sex Workers / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014754:Violence; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: HIV risk; age differences; female sex workers; mental health problems