Sex workers clients in Italy: results of a phone survey on HIV risk behaviour and perception

Introduction. Sex workers (SW) clients represent a bridge population for HIV transmission from high risk to low risk general population. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional anonymous telephone survey was carried out at the AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections Helpline of National Institute of Health in Italy. The questionnaire was proposed on a voluntary basis to a sample of 119 subjects from helpline users. Results. The 119 participants were all males, aged between 19 and 59 years and mostly accessed female prostitutes. Vaginal intercourses with SW were more frequently reported, followed by passive oral, active oral sex and active anal intercourses. Cumulatively, 86.6% and 84.6% of vaginal and anal intercourses were respectively reported as regularly protected by condom. Discussion. The telephone interview allowed an eased access, a high response rate and a standardised evaluation of questions Conclusions. It is necessary a constant monitoring of the characteristics, behaviour, risk perception and testing of SW clients in Italian and other populations.