15th International AIDS Conference Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. TuOrC1199)

Allman D, Myers T, Calzavara L, Ennis M, Remis R, Maxwell J, Travers R
HIV Social, Behavioural and Epidemiological Studies Unit, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

BACKGROUND: To examine differences between men who receive money for sex and those who receive non monetary resources.

METHODS: An anonymous, self-completed cross-sectional study conducted in 13 communities. Men were recruited within gay bars, bathhouses, events and organizations. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine differences with respect to demographics, sexual risks, drug use, STIs, HIV testing and HIV status.

RESULTS: Of the 5,080 men recruited, 4,616 answered questions related to receiving money or other for sex. 86 (1.7%) received only money, 177 (3.5%) received other resources only (i.e. drugs, goods, clothing, protection or shelter, and 137 (2.7%) received both money and other. This analysis is restricted to the first two groups. When adjusted for sociodemographic variables, receiving money only was associated with being HIV negative, no history of gonorrhea, and no use of cannabis, tranquilizers, or cocaine in the previous year. Conversely, those receiving only non-monetary resources were more likely to be HIV positive (OR=6.4 CI=2.6-15.9), have a history of gonorrhea (OR=3.1 CI=1.4-6.9), and to have used cannabis (OR=3.0 CI=1.4-6.1), tranquilizers (OR=4.4 CI=1.7-11.8) or cocaine (OR=2.5 CI=1.3-4.7) in the previous year.

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, differences between "professionals" (i.e. those who received money) and "survival sex/sex trade" (i.e. those who exchanged drugs or goods) were evident. While many studies have reported elevated risk behaviours for individuals exchanging sex for money, goods or drugs, they have frequently done so without differentiating between professional prostitution and other. As suggested by this analysis, the risk behaviours associated with these groups may not be the same. Dominant perceptions of researchers, prevention workers and policy makers may require a rethink in order to better recognize and distinguish the relative risks ascribed to sex as work versus sex as survival or trade.

040711
TuOrC1199

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