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Promoting HIV Testing and Condom Use Among Filipina Commercial Sex Workers: Findings from a Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study

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Abstract

This study examines the effects of a multi-level social action-based theory (SABT) intervention to increase HIV testing and consistent condom use among female commercial sex workers (FCSWs). Respondents in four socio-demographically similar Philippine cities received an SABT intervention based on: (1) peer influence; (2) manager training; (3) combined peer/manager influence; or (4) usual care (control condition). HIV testing increased 86% from baseline (N = 980) to follow-up (N = 903), and was significantly associated with higher HIV/AIDS knowledge, lower probability of contracting HIV and increased condom use. After adjusting for socio-demographic, HIV knowledge and perceived control variables, FCSWs in the manager training and combined peer/manager conditions were significantly more likely to engage in consistent condom use. Mediational analyses revealed higher HIV/AIDS risk perceptions and a supportive work environment related to increased condom use. These findings support a growing body of research suggesting the need for multi-level sexual risk reduction interventions among FCSWs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Editor and three anonymous reviewers for their useful comments and suggestions to improve the quality of this paper. The study of female entertainment establishment worker in the Philippines was funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01-AI33845), UCLA AIDS (AI-28697), and Universitywide AIDS Research (D04-LA-400). The findings from this research were presented at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association in Washington, DC (2007).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Health and Welfare Policy, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Chi Chiao

  2. Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Donald E. Morisky

  3. Department of Communication Studies, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA

    Kate Ksobiech

  4. AIDS Prevention Program, Stempel School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA

    Robert M. Malow

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  1. Chi Chiao
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  2. Donald E. Morisky
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  3. Kate Ksobiech
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  4. Robert M. Malow
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Correspondence to Chi Chiao.

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Chiao, C., Morisky, D.E., Ksobiech, K. et al. Promoting HIV Testing and Condom Use Among Filipina Commercial Sex Workers: Findings from a Quasi-Experimental Intervention Study. AIDS Behav 13, 892–901 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-008-9418-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-008-9418-9

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