Cambodia

Theme: Condom Use
Channel: Mass media
Target Group: Youth

Description of Behavioral Problem
There is a lack of awareness among some populations that condoms are a means to prevent HIV/AIDS.

Program Description

Research Summary
Cambodia has been called a new success story in the fight against AIDS. Since the mid-1990s, behavioral and sentinel surveillance has shown declines both in HIV levels and in risk behavior. Despite these successes, there is concern that the widespread awareness of HIV risks in Cambodia may in fact lead to an expanded demand for non-brothel based indirect sex workers employed in restaurants, karaoke bars, massage parlors and the like. Behavioral surveillance surveys from 1997 to 1999 found that each year a higher percentage of indirect sex workers reported selling sex (Hor Bun Leng et al. 2001). A lower perception of risk among men of contracting HIV from indirect sex workers, as well as the fact that indirect sex workers are outside the reach of the 100% condom campaign, points to lower condom use with these women. Also, fear of AIDS may lead to more widespread sexual involvement within noncommercial sexual relationships, often referred to as sweetheart relationships in Cambodia. Whether these relationships involve an emotional connection or not, they usually become trusted partners where condom use is seen as inappropriate. Finally, new opportunities and greater freedoms for young people appear to have resulted in changing social norms as well, with young men turning to sweethearts rather than paid partners for sexual relationships.

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