In the context of the increasing number of HIV infected cases among commercial sex workers, the growing vulnerability of street commercial sex workers due to political situations, and the threat of HIV epidemic in Vietnam, I conducted a study aimed at understanding the HIV prevention-related behaviour of the street commercial sex workers. This was qualitative ethnographic research using a case study approach based on informal and/or in-depth interview and observation techniques. Nine street commercial sex workers working in a public park located in Ho Chi Minh City were selected as key informants. Another 28 relevant informants were also interviewed to get more information.
I found the sex workers are aware of several aspects of HIV prevention-related behaviour: using condoms, washing or wiping the vagina carefully after sex, peeing after sex and using urine to wash, checking the clients’ appearance or their genital organs, removing the semen out off the vagina, soaking the vagina in salty water, using pomade or lubricant, and preventing clients from touching the vagina. However, I found that some cultural, economic, personal perception and policy
factors obstructed safer sex practice. For example, women in great need of money often compromised the use of a condom. Women often judged a client to be HIVnegative based on a healthy appearance. And women sometimes don’t carry condoms because this is used by the police as evidence that they are sex workers.
Based on findings, I have several recommendations to design and provide an appropriate intervention program. These recommendations include changing the view towards commercial sex workers, raising knowledge about HIV/AIDS, expanding condom promotion for safe sex practice, making health care services accessible, improving the economic situation, preventing women from entering sex work, involving males in the reproductive health programs. Further research on this subject from the male perspective is recommended.
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