Nguyen Vu Thuong1, Truong Hoai Phong2,
Khuu Van Nghia1, Vo Thi Tuyet Nhung1, Diep Thanh Hai1, Nguyen Phuong Anh2 & Ha Ba
Khiem1
1Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho
Chi Minh City, Vietnam; 2 AIDS Standing Bureau and Center for
Preventive Medicine of Soctrang, Vietnam;
Contact e-mail: aidspi@hcmc.netnam.vn,
nguyenthuong@yahoo.com
Background: To assess the association between a number of selected factors and never use of condom (NUC) among high-risk female attendees who consulted at the Center for Mother and Child Health Care and Family Planning (CMCHCFP), Soc Trang, 2000-2002.
Methods: 364 high-risk women (working at entertainment services such as restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, bar, massage palors, karaoke lounges, even on street…) who visited CMCHCFP between 2000 and 2002, were physically examined and interviewed about their social demographic and sexual behaviors (condom use). Univariate analysis was used to screen for candidate variables which were then placed in the multivariate model to explore the correlates of NUC among the women while controlled for a number of confounders.
Results: The rates of reported NUC with clients, lovers and husbands/live-in partners in the last 12 months were 52.1%, 54.5% and 73.2%, respectively. The correlates of NUC with clients included urban living (OR=0.36; p=0.030), living alone (OR=0.34; p=0.013), age < 20 (OR=3.21; p=0.045), low income (OR=5.45; p<0.001). The correlates of NUC with lovers included urban living (OR=0.42; p=0.055), living alone (OR=0.27; p=0.002), age < 20 (OR=3.17; p=0.051), low income (OR=6.06; p<0.001); direct sex work (OR=0.5; p=0.047); heard about HIV/AIDS from health staff (OR=0.50; p=0.044).
Conclusions: There were similar correlates of NUC between clients and lovers. These findings more or less assist health care providers in specific education and counseling for high risk women in terms of safer sex with their partners.