Title: HIV and commercial sex in Cambodia.

POPLINE Document Number: 120616

Author(s):

Montague J
Catino J

Source citation:

WIPHN NEWS, 1997 Winter;21:1-3.

Abstract:

Population shifts, socioeconomic change, and an influx of foreign business and tourism are stimulating an increase in commercial sex activity in Cambodia and the rapid spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV seropositivity rates are over 40% among commercial sex workers in the country's western provinces and seaports; nationally, this rate is 33%. In this culture, commercial sex is sanctioned as an essential part of the male experience; 60-70% of Cambodian men are estimated to visit prostitutes. Most commercial sex workers are young, uneducated, unskilled, and have limited economic opportunities. Government- sponsored programs aimed at shutting down brothels or registering commercial sex workers have been ineffective, pushing the industry underground and deterring visits to government sexually transmitted disease clinics. Most effective are programs that gain the support and participation of the communities they serve. Local and international voluntary agencies are working with brothel-based prostitutes to provide condoms and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education. However, even if commercial sex workers are motivated to use condoms, fear of abuse by brothel owners or offers of more money by clients obstruct their decision making power. Recommended is the social marketing of condoms for family planning purposes in order to reduce their association with illicit sex.

Keywords:

Cambodia
HIV Infections
AIDS
Sex Workers
Immigrants
Developing Countries
Asia, Southeastern
Asia
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Sex Behavior
Behavior
Migrants
Migration
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population