02/02/2026
PrEP for S*x Workers Study: Optimizing PrEP Uptake for S*x Workers in Thailand 🇹🇭
Our latest study, a collaboration between Swing Thailand and BIRD - Towards Sustainability, published in S*xual Health demonstrates a suboptimal level of PrEP uptake among s*x workers in Thailand - particularly among female s*x workers (FSWs), but also among male (MSWs) and transgender (TGSWs) s*x workers. This study was funded by Gilead Sciences.
Analyzing data from 1,511 participants across seven provinces, we identified that PrEP non-users were most likely to be young (18–24 years) and working in locations not considered s*x work hubs.
The Barriers: Uptake is hindered by a lack of awareness, low perceived HIV risk, and HIV stigma. Crucially, the role of venue management significantly influences s*xual health practices.
The Opportunity: Despite current low usage, there is significant interest in PrEP among non-users. This interest increases notably when Long-Acting Injectable PrEP (LAI-PrEP) is proposed as an option.
The Path Forward: Program implementers must address these multiple factors - from product choice to venue engagement - to successfully scale up PrEP service delivery for all populations engaged in s*x work. To reach these diverse populations, we must move beyond standard delivery.
- Expand Key Population-Led Health Services (KPLHS) where feasible.
- Establish stronger linkages between CBOs and governmental/private facilities.
- Integrate PrEP into broader s*xual and reproductive health services.
📄 Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/gDkmUVhq
Authors: Vannakit R, Janyam S, Phaengnongyang C, Sumalu S, Lertpiriyasuwat C, Manopaiboon C, Girault P, Cassell M, Wolf RC, Ananworanich J.
*xualHealth
*xualHealth
Optimizing PrEP Uptake for S*x Workers in Thailand 🇹🇭 Our latest study, a collaboration between BIRD - Bangkok Interdisciplinary Research and Development and SWING Thailand, published in S*xual Health demonstrates a suboptimal level of PrEP uptake among s*x workers in Thailand - particularly a...
