Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità (Jun 2013)

Sexual behaviours of clients of sex workers reported within phone calls at HIV/AIDS/STIs Italian Helpline

  • Ilaria Mulieri,
  • Pietro Gallo,
  • Emanuele Fanales-Belasio,
  • Anna Colucci,
  • Alessia D'Ippoliti,
  • Anna Maria Luzi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4415/ann_13_02_10
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 49, no. 2
pp. 183 – 189

Abstract

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BACKGROUND: Clients of sex workers represent a relevant target for interventions aimed at the prevention of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Within prevention strategies, the AIDS and sexually transmitted infections helpline (Telefono Verde AIDS/ IST, TVA-IST) of National Institute of Health in Italy has provided, since 1987, specific information and counselling interventions. AIM: The present study reports data on anagraphical characteristics and behaviours of clients of sex workers, anonymously reported at TVA-IST in the period 1987-2010. DISCUSSION: Among 95 149 phone calls (14% of the total) considered 99.5% came from males, over 80% aged under 37 years and prevalently from Northern Italy. Among sexual behaviours, unprotected sexual intercourses were reported in the 26% of the calls. Subjects under 27 years reported a higher frequency of unprotected anal intercourse, while they used protection with oral and vaginal intercourses in a greater extent than older ones. Due to differential behaviours within clients of sex workers, specific informative strategies for this targeted population should adequately consider age-related differences.

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