title: Correlates of Inconsistent Refusal of Unprotected Sex among Armenian Female Sex Workers.
abstract: This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and correlates of inconsistent refusal of unprotected sex among female sex workers (FSWs) in Armenia. One hundred and eighteen street-based FSWs between the ages of 20 and 52 completed a questionnaire assessing FSWs' demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral characteristics. A total of 52.5% (n = 62) of FSWs reported inconsistent refusal of unprotected sex with clients in the past 3 months. Logistic regression analysis controlling for participants' age and education revealed that perceiving more barriers toward condom use (AOR = 1.1; P < 0.01), reporting more types of abuse (AOR = 2.1; P < 0.01), and setting lower fees for service (AOR = 0.9; P = 0.02) significantly predicted inconsistent refusal of unprotected sex. HIV-risk-reduction behavioral interventions tailored to FSWs working in Yerevan Armenia should address the factors identified in this study toward the goal of enhancing refusal of unprotected sex and ultimately preventing acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV.
authors.affiliation: Center for Health Services Research and Development, American University of Armenia, 40 Baghramyan Avenue, 0019 Yerevan, Armenia.
authors.forename: Karine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Markosyan
authors.affiliation: Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA ; Emory Center for AIDS Research, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Delia L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.affiliation: Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA ; Emory Center for AIDS Research, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, and Immunology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA ; Department of Medicine (Infectious Diseases), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Ralph J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: DiClemente