Qualitative Study on Situation and Demand for HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing among Female Sex Workers in a Heavy Drug Use Area

Objective To study the situation and demand for HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) and contributed factors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Xichang county of Sichuan province and provide reference data for further promoting VCT.Methods 54 FSWs were recruited through in-depth individual interview in different entertainment sites of Xichang County.Results The percentages of AIDS/STD knowledge is high while the knowledge for VCT is poor among FSWs. Most FSWs have never heard VCT, and only a few FSWs had participated ever in VCT provided by outreach groups. Younger Yi-ethnic FSWs were more lacker of the knowledge for VCT. The demand for VCT was high, and most FSWs hope to get VCT service in the entertainment sites. Conclusion The percentages of HIV VCT knowledge among FSWs is low, and comprehensive health education is urgent to improve VCT and to control sexual transmission of AIDS/STD among FSWs.