social and environmental factors related to risk for std/hiv among asian massage parlor workers in...
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Social and Environmental Factors Related Social and Environmental Factors Related to Risk for STD/HIV among Asian to Risk for STD/HIV among Asian
Massage Parlor Workers in San FranciscoMassage Parlor Workers in San Francisco
Health Project for Asian Women Health Project for Asian Women (HPAW)(HPAW)
DemographicsDemographics (n = 43)
Age 34 years (22 – 52)
Birthplace 98% Foreign born
Reasons for coming to US
37% Economic, 28% Refugee
14% Prostitution, 14% Marriage
Length of living in US 11 years (2 – 30)
Marital Status 39% Single, 22% Separated/Divorce
15% Married, 15% Living w/ partner
10% Widowed
Parental Status 68% Mother
STD/HIV Related Sexual BehaviorsSTD/HIV Related Sexual Behaviors
Financial Benefit“I say that okay I go to work, then for example, normally he gives me 100, but now he gives
me 300, 400, while I’m having no money. So, I’m willing to risk it. I need the money, so I take the risk.”
Regular Customers“If we trust our clients, then we’ll do it without
condoms. We get more money (when) we trust them. (When) we see their appearance and don’t trust them, then we shouldn’t do it.”
STD/HIV Related Sexual BehaviorsSTD/HIV Related Sexual Behaviors
No Choices“Yes, very often, once a customer was drunk. He was
very large. He did not want to wear a condom. What could I do? He grabbed my hand, so I wrapped a towel between my legs.”
Harmful Practices to Women’s Heath Douching
“If the condom broke or whatever, I clean inside and I put alcohol.”
Health Care Access
Social & Environmental FactorsSocial & Environmental FactorsSocioeconomic Issues
“My family in Thailand does not have much money... I work to help pay back the debts and to support my family here, too. I’m supporting both sides.”
Immigration & Legal Status“We have to do it because we don’t have a degree. Working at McDonald’s doesn’t make much money to support your family in Vietnam and children. So, I have to work…”
English Proficiency“They (doctors) just did routine check-up. But, when they gave me instructions, I didn’t understand what they
wanted me to do. I did what other friends told me from past experience.”
ConclusionsConclusions
Large volume of male customers
Underserved and understudied population
Need to be addressed in the public health community and social service providers to promote Asian masseuses’ health and well-being
HPAW Project StaffHPAW Project Staff
Principal Investigator: Tooru Nemoto, Ph.D.Research Associate: Don Operario, Ph.DResearch Associate: Mariko IwamotoProject Assistant: Serena WongHealth Educator: Yungju OhHealth Educator: Caitlyn NguyenHealth Educator: Myan Nguyen
Mariko Iwamoto 415-514-3381