Metrics details. At-risk male youth in Cambodia who purchase sex are at greater risk for HIV compared to the general population. Factors associated with paying for sex among youth are poorly studied, both globally and in Cambodia. This study aimed to identify specific factors associated with transactional sex with women among most-at-risk male youth in Cambodia. We collected data on demographic factors, sexual behaviors, HIV testing and other potential factors.
Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with transactional sex. In total, this study included male youth with a mean age of Of the total respondents, This study highlights the high proportion of Cambodian male youth who paid for sex and the potential challenges to addressing this issue.
While the majority of HIV prevention interventions surrounding sex work are aimed at female sex workers themselves, targeting the demand side of sex work, particularly the local demand, may be an important next step towards a sustainable HIV prevention. Globally, the proportion of men who pay for sex varies widely among cultures and countries [ 1 ]. In one analysis based on 21 studies from across the globe, Cambodia appears to be the country with the highest proportion of men from the local population who pay for sex [ 1 ].
Across the world, factors that are associated with paying for sex among men also range broadly and are not well studied [ 3 ]. From the limited studies that are available on demand-side factors, there are several ethnographic studies and small survey-based research in Western countries which suggest that older age, lower educational attainment [ 5 ], being single, being on disability pension, having had an early sexual debut, reporting a high number of sexual partners [ 6 ] and reporting risky sexual practices such unprotected sex [ 7 ] were associated with paying for sex among men.
Additionally, studies in Western countries suggested that there exists personal reasons that increase the likelihood that men report ever paying for sex such as a satisfying sexual needs, desire for particular sexual acts or practices that regular partners are unable or unwilling to accommodate, sexual relief, convenience, entertainment and the belief that people are not meant to be monogamous.
