title: Sexual safety practices of massage parlor-based sex workers and their clients.
abstract: The Outreach and Research in Community Health Initiatives and Development (ORCHID) project examines social and structural factors that contribute to HIV/AIDS risk among women working in Vancouver's indoor sex industry and their clients. From 2006 to 2009, two mixed method studies were undertaken in ORCHID: one exploring experiences of women working in the indoor sex industry, mainly in massage parlors, and the other exploring experiences of men as sex "buyers." Both studies emphasize sexual health and safety, risk and protective behaviors, and related contextual factors. No analyses examining the sexual health and safety practices of massage parlor-based sex workers and clients exist in the Canadian context. To address this gap, we analyze two survey datasets - with 118 sex workers and 116 clients. Upon comparing demographics of sex workers and clients, we discuss their condom use and sexually transmitted infections (STI) and HIV testing practices. Sex workers and clients reported high rates of condom use for vaginal/anal intercourse. While both groups reported lower rates of condom use for oral sex during sex transactions, clients did so to a greater extent (p < 0.001). Condom use with noncommercial sex partners was reported to be less consistent by both groups. STI testing was higher among sex workers than clients (p < 0.001). Initiatives targeting clients of massage parlor-based sex workers for STI education and testing are needed. Future research should investigate how different types of relationships between sex workers and clients impact their sexual safety practices.
authors.affiliation: a School of Nursing , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Kat
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kolar
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Atchison
authors.forename: Vicky
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bungay
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001955:British Columbia; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage; D012307:Risk Factors; D021841:Safe Sex; D060386:Sex Workers; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: HIV; condoms; men who buy sex; sex work; sexually transmitted diseases