Condom Use and Prevalence of Genital Chlamydia trachomatis Among the Korean Female Sex Workers.
- Author:
Joongyub LEE
1
;
Sun Young JUNG
;
Dong Seok KWON
;
Minsoo JUNG
;
Byung Joo PARK
Author Information
1. Medical Research Collaborating Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Chlamydia trachomatis;
Condom use;
Sex worker
- MeSH:
Chlamydia;
Chlamydia Infections;
Chlamydia trachomatis;
Condoms;
Cross-Sectional Studies;
Female;
Humans;
Informed Consent;
Jurisprudence;
Korea;
Negotiating;
Polymerase Chain Reaction;
Prevalence;
Prostitution;
Sex Workers;
Sexually Transmitted Diseases;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Epidemiology and Health
2010;32(1):e2010008-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Since 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. METHODS: We 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. RESULTS: Among 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. CONCLUSION: In 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.
