Internet Use Among Female Sex Workers in China: Implications for HIV/STI Prevention

Article in AIDS and Behavior Volume 15, Number 2, 273-282.

Based on a cross-sectional survey with 1,022 female sex workers (FSWs) recruited from different typesof commercial sex venues in Southwest China, we examinedtheir Internet-using behaviors and explored the feasibility of Internet-based HIV/STI intervention in thispopulation. About 75% of FSWs were Internet users;among them 57% were frequent users, and 40% had searched HIV/STI information online. Internet use was significantlyassociated with younger age, more schooling,higher income, and engagement in a social network of Internet users. Frequent use of the Internet was associatedonly with factors of the social environment, such as peers’Internet use. Two thirds of Internet-using FSWs were willing to participate in an online HIV/STI prevention program.

Multivariate analyses showed that willingness to participate in an online HIV/STI prevention interventionwas significantly associated with higher Internet use andyounger age. Our data suggest that Internet may offer apromising strategy to deliver low-cost HIV/STI  prevention programs for FSWs in China.

(abstract authors' own)