Respondent driven sampling RDS is a relatively new method to sample hard-to-reach populations. These data were used to create three variables to assess whether FSWs solicit their clients in locations that are visible, semi-visible and non-visible.
For this analysis, the visible group simulates a sample captured using TLS. Survey results in HIV prevalence and related risk factors and service utilization, adjusted for sampling methodology, were compared across each of the three FSW visibility groups to assess potential bias in TLS relative to RDS. There was a difference found among the visible, semi-visible and non-visible groups in HP for no past month condom use visible Although the number of visible FSWs is much higher than those of the semi and non-visible groups, this study found that the non-visible FSWs are very vulnerable to HIV infection.
If prevention programs are targeting and responding to those who are most likely to be assessed e. In recent years, the epidemic in Vietnam appears to be moving rapidly from IDU populations to FSWs through sexual contact with injecting male clients and the adoption of injection drug use behaviors by FSWs. Sexual transmission of HIV from FSWs to their non-injecting clients, who in turn have non-commercial sex partners, greatly increases the probability that HIV will spread to the general population.
In , the Department of Social Evils in the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs estimated that , women work as sex workers in Vietnam other estimates put the number much higher. Further, it is important to recognize the heterogeneity of the sex worker population. Broadly, FSW can be dichotomized into direct and indirect sex workers. Indirect sex workers typically have a primary job or source of income other than sex work, though that job may lead to contacts with potential clients e.
Direct sex workers typically do not have another job. Direct sex workers can be further broken down into street-based, brothel-based, or gatekeeper-based. Use of the Internet to find clients is increasing also. Fear of detention leads FSWs to exercise greater caution and more subtlety on the streets. Recently, FSWs have become even more difficult to reach because the Vietnamese government is imposing penalties fines, jail sentences and possible closure on the owners of entertainment establishments where sex is allegedly sold.
