Abstract:
Objective To understand the living conditions, behavior, physiological and mental health among the female entertainment workers(FEWs), to explore the influencing factors on their health, and to provide evidence for implementing AIDS/STD prevention and intervention effectively.
Methods A total of 4 large and 18 small entertainment places were selected randomly from altogether 6 large and 39 small entertainment places in Baoshan District using cluster sampling method. We conducted a face to face survey with 128 FEWs, and the questionnaire included demographic information, living conditions, sexual behavior situations, health and health behaviors, AIDS and STD testing, diagnosis and treatment, etc. Their clinical and laboratory data were also used for analysis.
Results The FEWs had an average age of (28.00& #177;7.17) years and a low education level, with 84.0% of them below junior high school. The average age of first sexual behavior was (20.0& #177;2.3) years old, and the average time in sexual work was (18.6& #177;19.1) months, In addition, 59.2% of them had a history of abortion, 43.2% had one or more reproductive system symptoms. In terms of laboratory results, 12.0% were positive on one and more items. The proportion of depression score above 6 among the FEWs was 36.8%. Multivariate analysis showed the influencing factor of reproduction health was the length of time of keeping a regular sex partner, and the influencing factor of mental health was the first marriage age.
Conclusion There are heavy burden and bad living behavior in the FEWs who have serious reproductive and mental health problems, and the key influencing factors are the months of keeping a regular sex partner and first marriage age.