This cross-sectional study identified the prevalence of gender based violence (GBV) and examined its association with sexual risk behavior among female sex workers (FSWs). Among 120 participants between ages 20 and 52, a total of 56.7 % reported lifetime GBV. Multivariate analyses revealed that GBV was significantly associated with inconsistent condom use, unprotected sex, condom misuse, fear of client reaction to requests of condom use, self-reported history of STIs, and earlier age of initiation of sex work. GBV must be considered an urgent public health priority among FSWs in Armenia. Interventions addressing FSWs, in addition to targeting skill-based, sexual risk reduction must also introduce a discourse among FSWs, sexual partners, clients and community members about the role of GBV in HIV-associated risk behaviors and infection. Structural level initiatives must address economic opportunities for women, health-sector policies and responses to FSWs' health needs, law enforcement training and societal norms toward women.

This study describes HIV risk and preventive behaviors and their correlates among Armenian female commercial sex workers (CSWs) as a prerequisite to developing gender and culturally appropriate interventions. Ninety-eight CSWs from three Armenian cities were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative findings were further elaborated by focus group discussions (N = 25) and key informant interviews (N = 8). Inconsistent condom use with all types of sexual partners was reported, as were condom tear/slippage, alcohol and drug use, and sex with drug injecting clients. Prominent misconceptions regarding HIV transmission, prevention and disease manifestations were noted. Correlates of condom use intentions included history of substance use, attitudes regarding condom use, risk perception, and comfort negotiating condom use. Intentions to use condoms were strongly associated with recent frequency of condom use. Understanding the relationship between condom use and its determinants is critical in the design and implementation of effective prevention programs tailored for Armenian CSWs.

Employees with ADHD and those caring for children with ADHD are associated with a significantly higher burden in employer-relevant outcomes such as health benefit costs, absences, and terminations.

This cross-sectional study identified the prevalence and correlates of condom-use errors among female sex workers (FSWs) in Armenia. One hundred and seventeen street-based FSWs aged 20-52 years completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Condom-use errors were reported by 78.0% of participants. Number of clients, higher frequency of condom application on clients by FSWs, greater perceived barriers to condom use, elevated depressive symptomatology and having sex while drinking alcohol were significantly associated with higher number of condom-use errors. History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was marginally significant while consistent condom use was not significant in the final model. The multiple regression model accounted for 32.5% of the variance in condom-use errors. Condom-use errors are prevalent in this population, thus attenuating the intended protective effects of condoms. Interventions with FSWs in Armenia should specifically address the factors identified in this study toward the goal of reducing condom errors and ultimately preventing acquisition of STIs including HIV.