This study, funded by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, is a part of a research project whose target populations are Sex Workers (SWs) and their clients. Although Japanese heterosexual male clients face high HIV risk, little is known about their attitudes and practices, and specific interventions have not been sufficiently implemented in Japan.
From our 2006 survey (Higashi et al, 2007), 1,400 male respondents indicated utilizing sex services and were sent a follow-up questionnaire. 785 were used in the analysis.
The results show:
1) 50% of respondents were between the ages of 46 and 50
2) 83.2% had engaged in sex with one or more women within one year, 59.7% of which used sex services. The average usage was 5.14 times a year.
3) The condom usage rates differed among the various types of sex entertainment services.
4) Less than 25% would ask to not use a condom before they meet SWs, but almost half of the respondents said they would not use a condom if SWs agree in person.
5) 80% of the respondents said they would use a condom if required or requested.
We recommend that measures be developed that can effectively address the unique needs of different subtypes of male clients. A key to effective HIV prevention is to pay special attentions to men who specifically look for sex without condom, users of “delivery service,” and unsafe sex practice in oral sex service settings.
Conflict of Interest: None disclosed
Financial Support/Funding: Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Recorded at the the 19th WAS World Congress for Sexual Health - Sexual Health & Rights: A Global Challenge Göteborg (Sweden) - June 21 – 25, 2009
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