ObjectivesDespite the vast quantity of research among Chinese female sex workers (FSWs) to address concerns regarding HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk, there is a paucity of research on issues of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the missed opportunity for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) promotion among young FSWs. Our research aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of SGBV among Chinese adolescent FSWs, and to explore SRH service utilisation.Design and methodsA cross-sectional study using a one-stage cluster sampling method was employed. A semistructured questionnaire was administered by trained peer educators or health workers. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine individual and structural correlates of SGBV.Setting and participantsBetween July and September 2012, 310 adolescent women aged 15–20 years, and who self-reported having received money or gifts in exchange for sex in the past 6 months were recruited and completed their interview in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.ResultsFindings confirm the high prevalence of SGBV against adolescent FSWs in China, with 38% (118/310) of participants affected in the past year. Moreover, our study demonstrated the low uptake of public health services and high rates of prior unwanted pregnancy (52%; 61/118), abortion (53%; 63/118) and self-reported STI symptoms (84%; 99/118) in participants who were exposed to SGBV. Forced sexual debut was reported by nearly a quarter of FSWs (23%; 70/310) and was independently associated with having had a drug-using intimate partner and younger age (<17 years old) at first abortion. When controlling for potential confounders, having experienced SGBV was associated with frequent alcohol use, having self-reported symptoms of STI, having an intimate partner and having an intimate partner with illicit drug use.ConclusionsThis study calls for effective and integrated interventions addressing adolescent FSWs' vulnerability to SGBV and broader SRH consequences.

Recent strides have been made in developing vaccines to prevent contraction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is currently the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease in the United States. This study looked to investigate seven sexually relevant variables hypothesized to be related to a young woman's choice to receive the Gardasil® vaccine in order to prevent HPV contraction via a cross sectional survey. In a sample of 77 undergraduate women, we investigated the relationship between receipt of Gardasil® and the following variables: knowledge regarding HPV, relationship status, seeking gynecological services, having received an abnormal PAP smear, sexual activity status, number of sexual partners, and concern about contracting HPV. Logistical regression analysis and independent groups t-test revealed that none of these factors were related to actual receipt of the HPV vaccine in this sample. These results suggest the need for more research regarding potential practical barriers to HPV vaccination.