Determinants of the low uptake of HIV-related intervention services by female sex workers in Shenzhen, China: an observational study (2009-2012).
Background Female sex workers (FSWs) are highly vulnerable to HIV but make little use of HIV-related intervention services provided by the Chinese government. Determinants of the low uptake of HIV services by FSWs in Shenzhen, Guangdong province were investigated.


METHODS
FSWs were recruited by venue-based sampling; 1656 FSWs were interviewed about sociodemographics, behaviours and uptake of HIV-related intervention services. Determinants of no uptake of HIV testing, condom promotion, and peer education were determined through logistic regression. The association between uptake of HIV-related services, condom use and HIV-related knowledge was also assessed.


RESULTS
The overall uptake of HIV testing, condom promotion, and peer education by FSWs was 21.5%, 47.8% and 28.0%, respectively. Young age and shorter duration of working in Shenzhen were statistically significantly correlated with no uptake of all three interventions. Uptake of these services was positively associated with consistent condom use and good HIV-related knowledge.


CONCLUSIONS
The uptake of HIV-related intervention services by FSWs is low in Shenzhen. As their uptake is positively associated with condom use and HIV-related knowledge, it is necessary to intensify promotion of these, focusing on young and recently started FSWs.
Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Rui
R
Cai
Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Longyuan Road 8, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China.
Jingguang
J
Tan
Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Longyuan Road 8, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, China.
Lin
L
Chen
Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Caspar W N
CW
Looman
Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Jan Hendrik
JH
Richardus
Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, University Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Sake J
SJ
de Vlas