Relationship between Sexual Attitude with Practice Regarding Sexually Transmitted Infections and their Demographic Predictors in Female Sex Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The prevalence of high-risk behaviors among different parts of society has attracted attentions to prostitution as one of the most important current problems. There are limited numbers of studies on sexual attitude and practice regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Iranian female sex workers. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the relationship between sexual attitude and practice regarding STIs among Iranian female sex workers. Methods: In 2015, a study was conducted on 173 sex workers. All eligible female sex workers who had a record in state welfare offices, health care centers and drug rehabilitation centers were selected by convenience sampling and street sex workers selected by snowball sampling method. Data were collected using socio-demographic, Brief Sexual Attitudes Scale (BSAS) and practice questionnaires. Data were analyzed by using Pearson correlation, independent t, one-way ANOVA tests and multivariate linear regression model. Results: The mean (SD) scores of sexual attitude and practice were, respectively, 59.8 (4.3) and 61.2 (6.4). Based on Pearson correlation test, there was a significant relationship between practice regarding STIs and sexual attitude (p=0.001, r=0.25). Based on multivariate linear regression model, non-paying client, mothers' job, history of sexual abuse, client type and families' economic variables were predictors of sexual attitude and father's education and occupation, families' income, history of sexual abuse, husband's education, places of supplying condoms, condom use, duration of staying at this job, accessing ways of client and usual working times were predictors of practice. Conclusions: Due to the relationship between sexual attitude and practice regarding STIs, it is necessary to improve the attitude of these women with consideration of its predictors. Also, through public education to these individual and changing their attitudes, particularly their attitudes towards limiting sexual relationships and maintaining the health, their practice regarding STIs could be improved.