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Abstract
Latex and oil: sexual lubricant use among male sex workers in Chiang Mai, Thailand
T E Guadamuz1, P Kunawararak2, D D Celentano1, J Pumpaisanchai2, C Beyrer1
1Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; 2Office of Disease Prevention and Control 10, Thai Royal Ministry of Public Health, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Background: Our informal qualitative study found that most men who have sex with other men (MSM) in Chiang Mai have inadequate knowledge regarding sexual lubricant use. This study aims to confirm earlier findings with quantitative evidence.
Methods: A behavioral assessment survey was included as an addendum to the MOPH national sentinel surveillance conducted during June 2003. 198 MSW from 14 sex establishments around Chiang Mai were interviewed by MOPH field staff about sexual risk behaviors, including sexual lubricant use. Participation was voluntary and confidential. Intercooled STATA 7.0 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: The Thai word for sexual lubricant literally means "slippery chemical". 20% of MSW did not know what sexual lubricant was, 79.4% had ever used lubricant with condoms while having sexual intercourse, while only 29% had ever bought sexual lubricant themselves. Of those that had used sexual lubricant during intercourse, 70% used lubricant consistently with latex condoms while engaging in insertive anal intercourse whereas only 4% during vaginal intercourse. When K-Y is not available, 66.8% had used "other" lubricants including water-based lubricants such as saliva (63.3%) and water (6%) as well as oil-based lubricants like lotion (55.4%), soap (26.7%), Vaseline (20.8%), shampoo (10.9%), and oil (10.9%).
Conclusion: Almost all MSW study participants had used oil-based lubricant numerous times with latex condoms while engaging in anal intercourse; oil-based products like Vaseline can dissolve latex. Thus oil-based lubricant use undermines condom promotion programs. Many MSW depend on free lubricant from MOPH that is only given out twice a year. Ideas of self-sustainability and importance of water-based lubricant use are needed. Sexual lubricant module needs to be included in all sex education and outreach work targeting Thai MSM.
The XV International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WePeC6234
Suggested Citation
" T E Guadamuz , , et al.
Latex and oil: sexual lubricant use among male sex workers in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Poster Exhibition:
The XV International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WePeC6234"
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