Depressive symptoms and condom use with clients among female sex workers in China

Abstract

This study examines the association between depressive symptoms and condom use with clients among 278 female sex workers (FSW) in Guangxi, China. About 62% of these FSW had a high level of depressive symptoms (CES-D total score ≥16). Multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that FSW with high level of depressive symptoms were less likely to use condoms consistently (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.28–0.89) or use condoms properly (aOR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20–0.99). The findings suggested that HIV prevention programs targeted at FSW should take into consideration the level of depression they experience.