Perceived social support and its association with amphetamine-type stimulant use among female sex workers in Guangxi, China.

Abstract

Female sex workers (FSWs) in our study were recruited from two cities of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi) in south-western China, which were famous for tourism and attracted millions of tourists each year. Local CDCs estimated that there were more than 2,000 FSWs working in more than 150 commercial service venues at all levels in each city [3]. Many of the FSWs were migrant workers from outside the cities or other provinces, and thought that being a FSW was a quick and easy way to make money. Evidence shows that FSWs are vulnerable to HIV infections and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [4– 6]. Power imbalance during sexual transactions may take effect. FSWs are likely to serve more clients and cater to client’s demand for unprotected sex in exchange for money or drugs. In Guangxi, heterosexual transmission has become the primary mode of HIV infection. Accordingly, FSWs have been more likely to be infected with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) by their clients.