Patterns of health care utilization and health behaviors among street sex workers in Hong Kong.

摘要: Abstract Objective To describe the current use of health services by street-based female sex workers (FSWs) and to explore beliefs behind these behaviors. Study setting Community outreach approach in a few red-light districts Hong Kong. design A 30 min face-to-face interview was carried out 89 women direct snowballing, followed focus group discussion drawn from participants questionnaire. Results While FSWs’ perception personal good, considerable proportion suffered illnesses but consultation rate third mean general population Many street experienced difficulty utilizing service Kong even when they did, it mainly for acute problems. Affordable access public excluded many found private unaffordable due high price charged practitioners. It common self-medicate, delay seeking medical help, or travel back China treatment. Conclusion The empirical understanding utilization is unbalanced. In order reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) HIV among workers, essential address fundamental issue care access.