AIDS-related perceptions and condom use of prostitutes in Korea

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of AIDS-related knowledg e and attitudes of prostitutes on condom use from diverse 'sex markers' in Korea. The data were collected by interviewers at five different 'sex marke ts'. During March 1993, research assistants at the Institute of Health Serv ices Research interviewed 371 prostitutes visiting sexually transmitted dis ease (STD) clinics. Multiple regression method was used in identifying the determinants of condom use. The level of condom use was regressed on person al characteristics of prostitutes, AIDS-related perceptions, and market typ e. Prostitutes' level of condom use turned out to be different across the m arkers featuring diverse types of services and fees. Neither perceived vuln erability nor perceived seriousness of AIDS had significant effects on cond om use. Our findings suggested that the many AIDS-preventive educational ef forts by STD clinics are ineffective. Hence, individual STD clinics need to develop AIDS-preventive education programs which are suitable for the uniq ue circumstances of their respective 'sex markets'.