Behavioral Interventions Improve Condom Use and HIV Testing Uptake among Female Sex Workers in China

Odds ratios (OR) were calculated by comparing the levels of improvements in condom use and HIV testing uptake by various intervention strategies. Meta-analyses indicated that FSW in the post-intervention period were:

• 2.3 – 5.0 times more likely to use condoms with male clients in their last sexual act 
• and 2.3 – 3.4 times more likely to use condoms consistently in the last month than in the pre-intervention period. 
• In particular, multiple session intervention were more effective in improving condom use among FSW with male clients than a single session intervention. 
• Behavioral interventions also improved past-12-month HIV testing uptake 4.6-fold . 

Comprehensive intervention programs were more effective in improving HIV testing uptake compared with health education only programs. Longer intervention duration (>12 months) did not increase effectiveness in improving condom use or HIV testing rate among Chinese FSWs. Behavioral interventions are effective in improving condom use and HIV testing uptake among Chinese FSW. This review highlights both the potentials and limitations of condom promotion interventions targeting female sex workers.

Via:  http://ht.ly/QdN9f  HT @MonashUni