The magnitude and determinants of condom use among direct commercial sex workers (DSCWs) at the Cobodian - Thai border in Osmach Commune, Oddar Meanchey, Combodia

Abstract

The main purpose of the study was to measure the magnitude and identified determinants related to condom use among Direct Commercial Sex workers (DCSWs) at the Cambodian-Thai border in Osmach town, Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from Januiary 25-February 9,2005. The subjects were DCSws who are brothel-based with a total of 62 participants from 13 brothels. Data were gathered using an interview questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion and In-depth interviews. The PRECEDE Framework was applied as the conceptual framework of the present study. Data was analysed in terms of frequency distribution, and Chi-square test was used to determine the association between independent and dependent variables. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between independent variables and condom use. This study found that the magnitude of condom use among DCSWs in Osmach (76%) is lower than the pilot project of 100% CUP in Sihanoukville,Cambodia (78%) and Thailand (98%). The condom use rate with steady partners/sweethearts in Osamch is lower than condom use rate with steady partners/sweethearts of the pilot project of 100% CUP in Sihanoukville, Cambodia (52% v 64%). The condom use rate of DCSWs in Osmach, the using rate with steady partners/sweethearts is lower than the using rate with clients (52% v 97%). This study indicated that factors having a significant association with condom use among DCSW were having steady partnes /sweethearts, experience of abortion since working in the profession, and age of clients (p<.001, p = .045 and p = .030 respectively). Binary logistic regression result showed that having a steady partner/sweetheart was statistically significantly associated with condom use (p = .010, OR = 191.95%CI: 0.045 to 0.677), and age of clients (p = .039,OR = .5.583, 95%CI:1.090 to 28.597). From the qualitative result, many DCSWs failed to persuade clients to use condom, which caused them to have less clientws, they would consider accepting to have sex without using condom. This study may assist authorities and NGOs to develop appropriate health promotion concerning incrasing awareness of protecting sTD and HIV/AIDS for DCSWs and their steady partners/sweethearts in the border area of Oddar Meanchey Province, Cambodia.