Low Condom Use Among Adolescent Female Sex Workers in Thailand

In Thailand, it is estimated that there are nearly 2 million female sex workers (FSWs), of whom 800,000 (40%) are under the age of 18 years. Studies examining condom use among adolescent FSWs in Thailand have been limited. Therefore, a survey was administered to a cross-sectional, nonrandomized sample of convenience among 130 adolescent, brothel-based FSWs in four geographic areas of Thailand. A condom utilization gap was evident in the present study, since on average adolescent FSWs used 3.8 condoms per day, while seeing 7.4 patrons per day. This is especially troubling since generalized condom utilization campaigns in the past have overlooked adolescent FSWs. Consequently, future public health efforts in Thailand need to recognize the existence and identify the unique healthcare needs of this vulnerable population, if they are to successfully decrease their sexually transmitted infection/HIV incidence rates.