Sexual risk behaviors and sexual harassment among female beer promoters in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Abstract

Beer promoters can be found throughout the country and Chiang Mai after alcohol drinks advertising was illegal according to Alcohol Beverage Control Act. From their working conditions, they are faced with sexual harassment and encourage to drink with clients which probably leads to sexual risk behaviors. There are few evidence-based researches about their sexual risk behaviors and sexual harassment so it is hard to solve these situations. This study aimed to determine their demographic data, sexual activities, attitudes, working conditions, sexual risk behaviors, and sexual harassment female beer promoters in Chiang Mai. Moreover, it aimed to find the association between variables. Cross-sectional survey was conducted from May to July, 2018. Snowball sample of 184 Thai female beer promoters who were 18 years old or more were asked to complete administrative questionnaire which included demographic data, sexual activities, sexual orientation, attitudes, sexual behaviors, and sexual harassment during working as a beer promoter. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were used to examine responses of participants and association between variables. The results showed that mean age of respondents was 22.73. 58.7% of them were also student and studying in bachelor degree. There were 62.5% of having sex experience with 25.2% of them did not use the condom. For sexual harassment, most of respondents had experiences in medium level especially verbal harassment. It associated with currently student status (p-value = 0.038), having sexual intercourse experience (p-value = 0.024), and type of job (p-value = 0.000). In conclusion, sexual risk behaviors were still found among female beer promoters and the occurrence of sexual harassment remained high. There were association between currently student status, having sexual intercourse experience, and type of job and sexual harassment. The findings highlighted that magnitude of sexual risk behaviors and sexual harassment should be revealed to the public. It is necessary to help people in the society consider about these issues. And campaigns for women empowerment regarding negotiation and life skills for beer promoters should be created. The further study should expand the survey to other area and mixed method is recommended to explain in-depth information.