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Abstract
Impact of framing on the HIV-protection strategies of male sex workers
A. Pfister, A. Parpan-Blaser, S. Nideröst, D. Gredig
Background:
Scientific studies on HIV-protection behaviour of male sex workers (MSW) show that an important proportion of HIV-relevant sexual contacts are unsafe. Further, bi- or homosexual identified MSW are more often HIV-positive than heterosexual MSW. On one hand it is argued that financial dependence and unequal power-balance between sex worker and customer are considered to be the reasons. This argumentation presumes that MSW are deprived and powerless individuals, who have a small impact on pushing their customers towards Safer Sex. On the other hand it is reasoned, that bi- and homosexual MSW are exposed to a higher risk of HIV-infection because they are willing to pursue high risk sexual practices such as receptive anal penetration.
Both argumentations are not convincing because interactive aspects are not taken into account. Therefore we ask from an interactionalistic perspective: What is the impact of framing (definition of a situation) on HIV-protection strategies of MSW?
Methods:
Data were collected in qualitative interviews with 15 MSW, chosen by theoretical sampling (criteria: age, education, sexual orientation, occupational status, workplace, migration). Data were analysed along the principles of grounded theory.
Results:
MSW define interactions with their customers primarily as commercial ones. In our sample we found four commercial frames: Sex work as opportunity, as profitable opportunity, as enjoyable opportunity to earn money or as delivery of a qualified service. When the perception of the situation doesn’t match with one of these commercial frames competing frames actuate: search for social/amicable contacts, search for relationship, search for sexual satisfaction.
Actuating a commercial or competing frame leads to a certain set of HIV-protection strategies. We further identified factors strengthening or lessening the enactment of those strategies.
Conclusions:
The framing of a sexual encounter by MSW has a strong impact on their HIV-protection strategies and the enactment of those strategies.
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
WEPE0858
Suggested Citation
"A.Pfister, et al.
Impact of framing on the HIV-protection strategies of male sex workers.
:
AIDS 2006 - XVI International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
WEPE0858"
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