This study was designed to examine the prevalence of risky behaviors of sexually active female youth in Cambodia and to explore risk factors associated with engagement in transactional sex. We surveyed sexually active female youth aged 10-24 enrolled at risk "hotspots" in eight provinces in Cambodia. We collected data on demographic factors, sexual behavior, and factors hypothesized to be associated with transactional sex. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations between demographic and sexual behavior and transactional sex.
Of the 280 respondents, the mean age was 21.2, and 48.1% had been paid for sex in the past year. After adjustment, at-risk females who were never have been married, have completed less than 6 years of school, have 1 or more parents who had died, be a heavy alcohol drinker, have used a condom with their boyfriend during last sexual encounter, and have ever had an HIV test were more likely to engage in sex work.
Our findings suggest that prevention strategies for female youth at risk of engagement in sex work should include upstream structural interventions that aim to encourage girls' education and empowerment.
In addition, tailored sex education and behavior change messaging about the risks of heavy drinking, condom use with romantic partners, and the importance of frequent HIV testing for at-risk youth and sex workers should be designed and delivered to youth currently engaging in sex work.
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at:
- 1a Public Health Program, College of Education and Health Sciences , Touro University California, Vallejo , CA , USA.
- 2b Research Center , KHANA , Phnom Penh , Cambodia.
- 3c School of Public Health , National Institute of Public Health , Phnom Penh , Cambodia.
- 4d Faculty of Medicine , University of Health Sciences , Phnom Penh , Cambodia.
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