A survey among 806 brothel-based sex workers found that over 90 per cent were well informed of the seriousness of HIV and AIDS, modes of transmission and the effectiveness of condom use. Although the majority (73 per cent) always negotiated condom use with clients, they were successful with only half of them. Perceived barriers and low self-efficacy, rather than lack of knowledge, were found to be related to condom negotiation. Sex workers should be taught improved negotiation skills, and health education should be targeted at clients and brothel keepers to promote condom use.
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