Correlates of HIV risk and preventive behaviors in Armenian female sex workers.

This study describes HIV risk and preventive behaviors and their correlates among Armenian female commercial sex workers (CSWs) as a prerequisite to developing gender and culturally appropriate interventions. Ninety-eight CSWs from three Armenian cities were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Quantitative findings were further elaborated by focus group discussions (N = 25) and key informant interviews (N = 8). Inconsistent condom use with all types of sexual partners was reported, as were condom tear/slippage, alcohol and drug use, and sex with drug injecting clients. Prominent misconceptions regarding HIV transmission, prevention and disease manifestations were noted. Correlates of condom use intentions included history of substance use, attitudes regarding condom use, risk perception, and comfort negotiating condom use. Intentions to use condoms were strongly associated with recent frequency of condom use. Understanding the relationship between condom use and its determinants is critical in the design and implementation of effective prevention programs tailored for Armenian CSWs.

Meeting the challenge of injection drug use and HIV in Armenia.

This article is based on research on the response to drug use and HIV in Armenia and its conflicts with international law. It was conducted via an assessment of legal documents, resolutions, and position papers on drugs, human rights, and HIV, and an analysis of their practical exercise in Armenia. The article provides an overview of challenges to effective responses to drug use and HIV in Armenia, outlines the rationale for adopting human rights-based approaches, provides justification that the latter approaches would allow Armenia to better comply with its obligations under international treaties, and proposes policy recommendations for the promotion of human rights-based approaches.