Document 3158
 DOCN  M94A3158
 TI    The fire in the dragon: a study of risk factors for HIV/AIDS among urban
       men and commercial sex workers in Vietnam.
 DT    9412
 AU    Franklin BA; Khanh NT; CARE International, Vietnam.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):14 (abstract no. 031D). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369417
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS
       in Vietnam through a study of commercial sex workers and urban men. to
       guide policy planners and communicators at the onset of the epidemic in
       Vietnam. METHODS: A 4-tiered, sequenced research design was used to
       gather quantitative and qualitative data from 1,100 sex workers and
       urban men (heterosexual, homosexual, Vietnamese and foreign) over 12
       months. Data was gathered by members of the target groups for the
       insider's view of a population engaged in illegal, clandestine
       activities. Methods used were: structured observation, key informant
       interviews. KAP survey and focus groups. RESULTS: The study yielded 37
       findings re. AIDS, sex, condoms and media. Findings included high levels
       of awareness of HIV/AIDS, but low perceived risk (only 18% of sex
       workers and 13% of Vietnamese men surveyed believed they could get
       AIDS), high rates of multiple partners (54% of Vietnamese men surveyed
       reported 2 or more partners in 2 weeks), and low condom use.
       Psychosocial factors included narrow sex roles, external locus of
       control and low self-efficacy re. sexual decision-making for both sexes,
       as well as condiderable fatalism and denial of risks for HIV/AIDS.
       CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest these attitudes and behaviors may be
       widespread in Vietnam, putting many at risk. Effective campaigns must
       address them and should incorporate popular concepts, images and
       metaphors revealed by this study.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*EPIDEMIOLOGY  Attitude to Health
       Condoms/UTILIZATION  Epidemiologic Methods  Female  Gender Identity
       Human  HIV Infections/*EPIDEMIOLOGY  Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
       Male  *Prostitution  Risk Factors  Urban Population
       Vietnam/EPIDEMIOLOGY  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).