Mariko Iwamoto¹, Tooru Nemoto, PhD¹, Serena Wong², Rachel Nguyen-Young², Yungju Oh², and Caitlyn Nguyen². (1) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of Califonia, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery St., Suite #250, San Francisco, CA 94105, 415-597-9391, tnemoto@psg.ucsf.edu, (2) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery St. #200, San Francisoco, CA 94105

Objective: To explore behaviors and perceptions related to HIV/STD risk among male clients at Asian massage parlors in San Francisco.

Methods: A total of 18 male clients who had engaged in sex with Asian female masseuses were recruited through targeted communities in San Francisco. Three focus groups, separated by ethnic groups (Asians, African Americans, and Caucasians) were conducted in which substance use, sexual practices, and perceptions toward Asian masseuses were discussed. Focus groups were audio-taped, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Results: Male clients are engaging in high-risk behaviors, including inconsistent condom use with masseuses and private partners and substance use. Most participants did not consider oral sex a risk behavior. The majority of participants rarely or never used condoms for oral sex with masseuses, although they were more likely to use condoms for vaginal sex. Some described paying additional money to have unprotected sex with masseuses. Moreover, participants described rarely using condoms for vaginal sex with private partners. Many participants reported frequently having sex with masseuses under the influence of alcohol. Customers tended to see Asian masseuses as passive, submissive, and exotic, and to demand services for their favor.

Conclusions: Male clients are aware of HIV/STD risk, but often engage in risk behaviors. It is crucial to develop effective intervention programs targeting both clients and masseuses. HIV educational and outreach programs should target clients to enhance consistent condom use and promote communication skills with masseuses as well as with their private sex partners.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives

• Learn about risk behaviors and perceptions toward Asian masseuses among male clients at Asian massage parlors.
• Gain knowledge about how clients’ perception about risk and attitudes toward Asian masseuses influence their HIV-related behaviors.
• Learn about development of effective HIV/STD prevention programs for Asian masseuses and their clients.

Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, HIV Risk Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.