Sex Workers’ Perspectives on Condom Use for Oral Sex with Clients: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The authors conducted in-depth interviews with 46 female brothel-based sex workers to explore their perceived barriers and approaches in getting clients to use condoms for oral sex. Reasons given by sex workers for not using condoms for oral sex as compared to vaginal sex included self-perception of low vulnerability to AIDS and sexually transmitted infections, misconceptions on transmission of the HIV virus, lack of negotiation skills, lack of support from brothel keepers and peers, and unpleasant taste and smell of condoms. Some sex workers could get all their clients to use condoms for oral sex by using negotiation skills, including the positive approach, the fear approach, the emotional appeal approach, and the assertive approach. Findings from this study would help design more appropriate messages and improve negotiation skills of sex workers to increase consistent condom use for oral sex.