Investigation on HIV awareness and characteristics of sexual behavior among 145 street-based female sex workers in Yunnan Province

Objective To investigate HIV awareness and characteristics of sexual behavior among street-based female sex workers(FSWs) and provide evidence for prevention and control for AIDS.Methods Using a snowball sampling method,a survey was conducted anonymously including demographic characteristics、knowledge awareness and sex service among street-based FSWs.Results Among 145 street-based FSWs,the youngest was 14 years old,average age was 27.57 ± 7.22 years and 82.8% of them received junior middle school education or lower education.Some of them had HIV awareness in some degree,but only 59.3% could answer all the AIDS questions correctly and 86.9% regarded that they would not be infected with HIV.The rate of condom use per sex in the last month and last time with steady sex partners were 34.1%(15/44) and 43.2%(19/44) respectively.Conclusion The findings showed street-based FSWs appearing younger,and the education for them about HIV knowledge based on their needs and interests should be strengthened,and the self-protecting awareness and condom use should be promoted,especially condom use when having sex with steady partners.