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- Title
Douching practices among female sex workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
- Authors
Bui, Thanh Cong; Tran, Ly TH; Ross, Michael W; Markham, Christine M
- Abstract
Several studies indicate that douching has few benefits but numerous adverse health outcomes, including increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and HIV. No published study explores douching practices among Cambodian female sex workers. This report provides preliminary data about the prevalence and frequency of douching among female sex workers in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Survey data were obtained from 81 female sex workers who were taken into custody due to engagement in commercial sex from March to June 2011. Results showed that 91% of participants douched. The mean numbers of times douched before sex and after sex per 10 sex episodes were 4.43 (SD = 3.87) and 4.63 (SD = 3.94), respectively. Half of the participants thought that douching could help to prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV; 24% were unsure about this. Usually, douching after sex was associated with ever obtaining an HIV test (p = .012) and was marginally associated (although not statistically significant) with a higher average number of clients per week (p =. 063) and consistent condom use with clients (p = .053). This suggests that these practices may be related to individual perceptions of sexually transmitted infections/HIV risk or susceptibility. Given the commonness of douching and related misperceptions among Cambodian female sex workers, future studies and interventions are needed to prevent adverse health problems.
- Subjects
PHNOM Penh (Cambodia); VAGINAL douching; SEX workers; SEXUAL health; SEXUALLY transmitted diseases; HIV infections
- Publication
International Journal of STD & AIDS, 2015, Vol 26, Issue 4, p238
- ISSN
0956-4624
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/0956462414533098