Factors associated with condom use for oral sex among female brothel-based sex workers in Singapore

Background and Objective: The prevalence of oral sex increased from 27.1% in 1992 to 81.1% in 1997, with a concomitant increase in pharyngeal gonorrhea, among female sex workers in Singapore. The extent of condom use for oral sex among them is unknown. Goal: To determine the prevalence of and factors associated with consistent condom use during oral sex. Study Design: A cross-sectional study of 225 women randomly selected from the surveillance scheme register of female brothel-based sex workers with a history of oral sex documented in their medical records. Results: Slightly more than half (56.9%) consistently used condoms for oral sex compared to 97% for vaginal sex. Condom use was significantly higher among middle than high class sex workers (adjusted rate ratio: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.01-2.29) and those with negotiation skills (adjusted rate ratio: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.32-2.07), Conclusion: Sex workers should be taught skills to negotiate condom use for oral sex.