HIV/AIDS behavioral surveillance surveys of the cross-border sex-networker population in Hong Kong from 1997 to 2001

BACKGROUND: Mobility is an important risk factor in the spread of HIV. GOAL: The goal was to conduct behavioral surveillance surveys on Hong Kong males crossing the border to mainland China to have sex with female sex workers (FSW) or nonregular female sex partners who were not FSW (NRP). STUDY DESIGN: Four surveys (1997-2001), using a special data collection method, were conducted at the Hong Kong-mainland China border checkpoint (n=5294). RESULTS: Consistently, a notable proportion of the travelers had patronized FSW or had had sex with NRP in the preceding trip to mainland China. Inconsistent condom use was high (> or =40%) and HIV antibody testing was low (<12%). Self-perceived susceptibility of contracting HIV also was low. CONCLUSION: No remarkable improvement on the level of risk behaviors was observed over the study period. Sustained efforts to promote safer sex and awareness of the risk associated with sex-networking are required.