Abstract:
Objective To learn about the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of STD/AIDS and its influencing factors of female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Shanghai, and to provide references for AIDS prevention and control.
Methods Follow-up visits were conducted 4 months and 8 months after the baseline survey which was conducted with unified questionnaire. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was applied to analyze repeated measurement data.
Results A total of 83 FEWs were enrolled the three consecutive surveys. The percentage of STD/AIDS knowledge score above 18 was 26.51%, 38.55% and 57.83% respectively, which showed that the knowledge level in two follow-up visits was significantly elevated and was positively associated with education level. The percentage of discrimination score above 9 was 43.37%, 35.37% and 32.53% respectively, and the discrimination score was negatively associated with years stay in Shanghai and knowledge level. The percentage of FEWs reported using condoms every time in the last month was 48.19%, 59.04% and 55.42% respectively, and those who had no fixed sexual partners or had a higher condom self-efficacy used condoms more often. After STD-related symptoms appeared, 65.00%, 62.50% and 66.67% FEWs received regular treatment respectively, and those who had a lower discrimination score or came from large entertainment venues were more likely to get regular treatment.
Conclusion The current intervention has achieved in improving the knowledge level of study subjects, but little in AIDS discrimination, high risk behavior and medical service seeking, especially among those who work in small locales, who are poorly educated and who have stayed in Shanghai for short period of time. Efforts should be enhanced in STD/AIDS education to reduce discrimination and improve self-efficacy.