Correlates of HIV Testing Among Asian Immigrant Female Sex Workers in New York City and Los Angeles County

Abstract

This analysis examined correlates of HIV testing among Asian immigrant female sex workers in massage parlors. We interviewed 69 Chinese and Korean immigrant women who provided sexual services in massage parlors in New York City or Los Angeles County (2014–2016). Multivariable logistic regression results showed that participants who were younger, have lived in the U.S. for a longer period of time, had greater English proficiency, perceived higher HIV risk, or were living with an intimate partner were more likely to have had an HIV test. Disclosing sex work to a close friend was also positively associated with HIV testing at p < .1. These correlates may reflect differential access to information, systems, and social networks that would facilitate HIV testing, highlighting the importance of reducing social isolation and increasing HIV education, especially for older women who have come to the U.S. more recently. As the literature has indicated that Asian immigrant female sex workers experience high rates of intersectional stigma, efforts to mitigate these intersecting stigmas could further these objectives.