HIV risk-related sexual behavior by cohabiting partner status among factory workers: Results from the 2015 Bangkok behavioral surveillance survey (BSS)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HIV risk-related sexual behaviors in the past 12 months and their related factors by cohabiting partner status among factory workers in Bangkok, one of the higher AIDS disease-burden provinces. The study found that one in five factory workers engaged in at least one of three HIV risk-related sexual behaviors, including ever-sex and unprotected-sex with a non-regular partner and multiple sexual partners. Those without a cohabiting partner (52%) were 4-fold greater than those with a cohabiting partner (13%). Factors associated with sexual risk behavior include being male, being younger, and having had HIV risk-related sexual behavior at first sex, regardless of cohabiting partner status (despite positive association with frequent alcohol consumption for those without a cohabiting partner). These findings imply the need for promotion of condom use in all episodes of sex with a potentially risk partner, reduction of non-regular partner sex and provision of education for safe sex for Bangkok factory workers.

Keywords:

• factory worker
• condom use
• multiple sex partners
• non-regular sex partner

Public Interest Statement

Despite great success in reduction of new HIV infections in Thailand, the risk of HIV infection via heterosexual intercourse still remains high due to sex with multiple, non-marital partners, and unprotected sex with higher-risk groups who serve as a transmission bridge to the general population. It can be postulated that sexually-active individuals have different sexual behaviors according to cohabiting partner status. Therefore, this study aimed to measure the prevalence of HIV risk-related sexual behaviors, and to explore what factors are related to the risk behaviors by cohabiting partner status among factory workers in Bangkok, one of the higher AIDS disease-burden provinces in Thailand. This study concludes that one in five factory workers engaged in at least one of three HIV risk behaviors. Those without a cohabiting partner were 4-fold greater than those with a cohabiting partner.

Acknowledgements

This paper was edited by a native speaker of English. The authors thank Mahidol University and AIHD for providing facilities and resources to conduct this survey. Sincere thanks and respect are owed to many reviewers, both colleagues and anonymous reviewers, for their criticism, suggestions and input.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bang-on Thepthien

Bang-on Thepthien is an assistant professor. She completed her PhD in behavioral science. She has taught various courses, including primary health care management and addiction studies at the graduate level of the Mahidol University, Thailand. She has published various articles in international journals. Her research interests include: Sex, gender and sexuality, HIV and AIDS, substance use and misuse, addictive behavior and health systems management.