Factors Affecting the Use of Voluntary and Counselling Test Service by the Indirect Sex Workers in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara

Abstract

Background: Indirect sex workers are men or women for whom sex work is not the primary source of income. They do not self-identify as sex workers, and often work outside of known venues for sex work. Indirect female sex worker (FSW) is also categorized as a key population at risk to HIV transmission and other sexual transmission disease. However, there are still many barriers for indirect FSW to utilize VCT service. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting the use of voluntary and counselling test service by the indirect sex workers group in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Subjects and Method: A cross sectional study was carried out in Kupang, east Nusa Tenggara. A sample of 50 indirect female sex workers was selected for this study. The dependent variable was VCT uptake. The dependent variables were knowledge, intention, perceived threat, perceived benefit, information exposure, and social support. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by Chi square. Results: Knowledge (OR= 35.42; 95% CI= 6.38 to 196.76; p<0.001), intention (OR= 20.22; 95% CI= 4.36 to 93.77; p<0.001), perceived threat (OR= 6.23; 95% CI= 1.77 to 21.92; p= 0.003), perceived benefit (OR= 6.84; 95% CI= 1.90 to 24.67; p= 0.002), information exposure (OR= 9.60; 95% CI= 2.56 to 36.06; p<0.001), and social support (OR= 27.73; 95% CI= 5.82 to 132.11; p<0.001) increased VCT uptake in indirect female sex workers. Conclusion: Knowledge, intention, perceived threat, perceived benefit, information exposure, and social support, increase VCT uptake in indirect female sex workers.