• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.27-39
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• 2009

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine how sex workers perceive the current STD examination service and how the perceptions are related with sex workers' intention to use the service. Methods: The data for this study came from a survey among sex workers who had an experience of using STD examination service provided by local public health centers. Sex workers' perceptions to STD examination service and their intention to use the service were measured with multiple items adapted from the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) developed by Ware and his colleagues. Results: Most sex workers are satisfied with the current STD examination service provided by local public health centers and they have a strong intention to use the service. In predicting general satisfaction and intention to use STD examination service, few socioeconomic variables play a significant role. Among specific dimensions of STD test service, technical quality and accessibility of the service affect both general satisfaction and intention to use the service in a positive direction. The most important determinant of sex workers' intention to use STD examination service is their general satisfaction with the service. Conclusion: With the existing laws that still officially justify STD examination programs, the demand and need for STD examination service by sex workers further the current STD examination programs. Health authorities which aim at health maintenance, health promotion and health protection for the people, thus, need to continue their STD control programs actively and effectively regardless of the Special Law on Sex Trade.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.167-176
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• 2005

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors to predict of condom use for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among sex workers in a Korean community. The theoretical ground of this study was the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior. Method: A descriptive, cross sectional and retrospective research design was employed in this study. A total of 100 sex workers who take a clinical check-up on STDs regularly at W Public Health Center were recruited by convenient sampling, and with consent to participate in this study. All of the measures were piloted, and the reliability of each scale ranged from 0.7 to 0.9. Data were analyzed using discriminating function analysis with SPSS-PC. Results: Five independent measures (partner preference for using condoms, subjects desire to prevent STD, age, type of relationship and sexual self-determination) contributed significantly to the best discriminating function. The discriminating function analysis resulted in correct classification of 83.1% of the respondents into their corresponding groups. Conclusion: Condoms are a main means of STDs prevention. Risk-reduction interventions that enhance communication skills and intrinsic motivation will be effective in increasing condom use to prevent STDs among sex workers.