Condom Use and Prevalence of Genital <italic>Chlamydia trachomatis</italic> Among the Korean Female Sex Workers

Abstract

OBJECTIVESSince 2004, availability of resources for preventing sexually transmitted diseases in Korean female sex workers (FSWs) has decreased because of strict application of a law against prostitution. This study is to evaluate the condom use and prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis among FSWs in Korea.METHODSWe performed a cross-sectional study of FSWs from 15 major sex work sites in Korea from June to November 2008, using convenience sampling. Self-administered questionnaires and urine samples were collected after all participants' written informed consent. Urine samples were analyzed with PCR at a single central laboratory.RESULTSAmong 1,086 FSWs who consented to study participation, data from 999 FSWs were appropriate for analysis. C. trachomatis prevalence was 12.8% (95% CI: 10.7-14.9%). Younger age increased risk for C. trachomatis. Whereas majority of FSWs (71.0%) answered high self confidence in condom negotiation, the proportion of FSWs who always used condoms last month was only 23.7%. However, practicing regular condom use showed significant protection against chlamydia infection, not self confidence in condom negotiation.CONCLUSIONIn Korea, FSWs were not practicing enough self-protection at work with a high prevalence of C. trachomatis. Education for constant practice of protection against sexually transmitted diseases is needed, especially for younger FSWs.

Risk factors of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Republic of Korea

“…The results of the present study show that the risk factors for STD infections among FSWs in Republic of Korea are mainly related to working conditions. This is in part due to FSWs being coerced to provide services demanded by clients, with some FSWs practicing unprotected sex [11]. The present study reveals that the working conditions of FSWs, who are even more vulnerable today because of the provisions of the anti-prostitution act and the associated reductions to sex-traffic-related health budgets, are important factors associated with the incidences of STD infections.…”

“…In 2006, an estimated 3.5% of the female adult urban population was engaged in commercial sexual transactions [10]. FSWs who live in urban areas have a particularly high risk of STD infections, including gonorrhea ( Neisseria gonorrhea ), syphilis ( Treponema pallidum ), and chlamydia ( Chlamydia trachomatis ) [11]. The poor working conditions experienced by FSWs can harm their sexual health and lead to psychological problems such as anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and depression [12–14].…”

Sex Worker Health Outcomes in High-Income Countries of Varied Regulatory Environments: A Systematic Review

“…Two studies were found in each of the following countries: England [ 116 , 117 ], New Zealand [ 118 , 119 ], Portugal [ 120 , 121 ] and Scotland [ 122 , 123 ]. One study was conducted in each of the following countries: Belgium [ 124 ], Chile [ 125 ], Czech Republic [ 126 ], Denmark [ 127 ], Estonia [ 128 ], Hungary [ 129 ], Panama [ 130 ], Puerto Rico [ 131 ], South Korea [ 132 ], and Switzerland [ 133 ]. Some studies were multi-jurisdictional for example Australian studies that compared three or more states [ 27 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 ].…”

“…The second largest group of studies were those which focused on locations where sex work was legal [ 48 , 49 , 51 , 52 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 64 , 100 , 103 , 104 , 106 , 107 , 125 , 126 , 129 , 130 , 133 ] followed by criminalized [ 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 131 , 132 ]. Five studies were included where sex work was decriminalized [ 29 , 50 , 57 , 58 , 118 ] and one study was conducted in a setting with the Nordic model [ 65 ].…”

“…Less frequently used data collection methods included structured interviews [ 100 , 113 , 123 ] and self-completed diaries reporting on sex practices [ 54 ] and drug and alcohol use [ 56 ]. Twenty four studies utilised a combination of clinical testing and questionnaire data [ 41 , 42 , 44 , 46 , 48 , 67 , 75 , 79 , 80 , 85 , 87 , 89 , 91 , 105 , 106 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 120 , 127 , 130 , 131 , 132 ]. Sixteen studies utilised clinical testing data alone [ 43 , 73 , 78 , 82 , 83 , 84 , 86 , 92 , 94 , 95 , 96 , 101 , 104 , 124 , 126 , 128 ].…”