Comparison of the use of HIV voluntary counseling and testing(VCT)services among female sex workers(FSWs)

Objective To compare the use of HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT)services among FSWs and explore the approach of improving accessibility of VCT services to them.Methods Eight hundred and thirty eight FSWs were selected from 9 cities in Hubei,Anhui and Hebei province;420 (50.12%)had used VCT services before(VCT group),and 418(49.88%)had not used such services before(non-VCT group).Questionnaire surveys and face to face in- terviews were conducted to all participating FSWs.Results As compared with those in the non-VCT group,FSWs in the VCT group had better schooling,many of them were emigrants from other provinces,had more knowledge and information about HIV and VCT,and exhibited relatively correct attitudes and behaviors.Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that scboolings,places of birth,interest in local HIV public education,acceptability to HIV testing provided by medical staff and willingness to be tested for HIV,awareness of local HIV prevalence and knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention were factors determining the use of VCT services among FSWs.Conclusion The knowledge of and attitude towards HIV and VCT,encouragement of medical staff,accessible and competent VCT clinics are factor which may influence the use of VCT services among FSWs.Target oriented intervention and health education,as well as competent VCT clinics would be key to improved accessibility of VCT services to FSWs.