A prospective study of pharyngeal gonorrhoea and inconsistent condom use for oral sex among female brothel-based sex workers in Singapore
Wong, M.L.; Chan, R.K.
International Journal of Std and Aids 10(9): 595-599
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0956-4624 PMID: 10492426 DOI: 10.1258/0956462991914726Document Number: 523497
This study examines the risks of pharyngeal gonorrhea due to inconsistent condom use among female sex workers in Singapore. A total of 724 brothel-based female sex workers who practiced oral sex were interviewed between December 1996 and June 1998. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavior, and use of condom for oral sex. The results demonstrated a 70.4% prevalence of consistent condom use for oral sex as compared to 96.8% for vaginal sex. Of the 595 sex workers that were followed up for a maximum period of 6 months, 38 (5.2%) contracted pharyngeal gonorrhea, while 2.5% contracted cervical gonorrhea. It was revealed that sex workers with inconsistent condom use for oral sex were 17.1 times more likely to develop pharyngeal gonorrhea than consistent condom users. Since the risk of acquiring pharyngeal gonorrhea was significantly higher for inconsistent condom users, sexually transmitted disease control programs for sex workers should also emphasize the need for the consistent use of condoms with oral sex.