Nemoto T, Iwamoto M, Wong S, Le MN, Operario D; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. ThPeC7353.
University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
Background: The objective of this study is to explore behaviors and perceptions related to HIV/STD risk among male clients of Asian massage parlors in San Francisco. The study aims to understand clients' sexual risk-related attitudes and behaviors with Asian masseuses. Findings of this study would inform the development of an HIV prevention intervention for Asian masseuses and male clients. Methods: A total of 18 male clients who engage in sex with Asian female masseuses were recruited from 22 massage parlors in San Francisco by advertisements distributed outside of massage parlors, cafes, and bars. The diverse ethnic sample of male clients took part in 3 focus groups during which they discussed substance use, sexual practices, and perceptions of Asian masseuses. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Results: The majority of participants reported rarely or never using condoms for oral sex with masseuses, although they were more likely to report using condoms for vaginal sex. Many participants described frequently having sex with Asian masseuses while under the influence of alcohol, and some described paying additional money to have unprotected sex with masseuses. Participants tended to perceive Asian women as exotic and submissive and described feelings of power over the masseuses with whom they had sex. Moreover, participants described rarely using condoms for vaginal sex with private partners, indicating a potential risk for HIV and STDs for private partners as well. Conclusions: Understanding the masseuse-client dynamic is crucial to developing effective intervention program targeting both clients and masseuses. HIV educational programs should target clients to enhance consistent condom use, address negative attitudes toward Asian women, and promote communication skills with masseuses as well as their private sex partners. HIV prevention and health promotion interventions for Asian masseuses should address cultural and occupational factors contributing to risk for HIV and STDs.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Asian Americans
- Asian Continental Ancestry Group
- Condoms
- Female
- Focus Groups
- HIV Infections
- HIV Seropositivity
- Humans
- Male
- Safe Sex
- San Francisco
- Sexual Behavior
- Sexual Partners
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Substance-Related Disorders
- Unsafe Sex
Other ID:
UI: 102281133
From Meeting Abstracts