Psychological Wellbeing and HIV Risks of Female Sex Workers in China

ISBN-13: 9783639103106 / Angielski / Miękka / 2008 / 188 str.

Yan Hong

Opis

Literature has documented the association between psychological wellbeing and HIV risks, but such studies are limited for female sex workers (FSWs) worldwide. Data on this area are particularly scarce in China, where millions of FSWs play an important role in the escalating HIV epidemic. This book has three aims: first, to investigate the present knowledge on behavioral studies of FSWs in China and identify the literature gaps; second, to examine the risk factors associated with FSWs suicidal ideation and attempts; and third, to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and FSWs condom use behaviors. The first study is based on a systematic review of English literature regarding FSWs in China. The second and third study draw data from a community-based HIV/STD intervention study with FSWs in Guangxi, China. The data reveal that FSWs in China have poor psychological wellbeing with high rates of suicidal behaviors and depression. Their mental health problems are associated with HIV- related sexual risks. Health education and promotion efforts among FSWs in China need to take into consideration their level of psychological distress.

O autorze

Dr. Hong is an assistant professor at the Department of Social
and Behavioral Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center. She
graduated from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of
Public Health in 2007. Her research interests are prevention
intervention of HIV/AIDS and psychosocial wellbeing of socially
marginalized populations.